Empanadas are a beloved dish that has origins in Latin America but has become popular worldwide for its delicious fillings and crispy pastry shell. This mouth-watering empanadas recipe is a perfect way to bring the flavors of Latin America into your kitchen and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills.
Empanadas are essentially turnovers filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as meats, cheeses, vegetables, or a combination of these. They can be baked or fried, and their versatility makes them a great option for any meal of the day, whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
To make these mouth-watering empanadas, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of cold water
– 1/4 cup of melted butter or lard
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 egg
– 1 pound of ground beef or any other meat of your choice
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup of chopped green olives
– 1/2 cup of raisins
– 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
To start, mix the flour, salt, water, melted butter or lard, and egg in a bowl to form a smooth dough. Cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the onion, garlic, bell pepper, cumin, salt, and pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft. Stir in the olives, raisins, and hard-boiled egg. Allow the filling to cool completely.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut circles of about 5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle, fold it in half, and seal the edges by pressing them with a fork. Place the empanadas on the baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.
Bake the empanadas for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once they are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These mouth-watering empanadas are best enjoyed warm and can be served with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Whether you are a fan of Latin American cuisine or just looking to try something new, this empanadas recipe is sure to impress. The combination of savory fillings and crispy pastry makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport you to the streets of Latin America with every bite. So why not give it a try and bring a taste of Latin America into your home today?