Here’s a simple recipe for beef empanadas:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1 boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the cold butter cubes and mix them into the flour using your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with the cold water. Slowly add the egg mixture to the flour and butter mixture.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth (about 3-5 minutes).
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened (about 4-5 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the tomato paste and beef broth (or water) and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped olives and boiled egg (if using), and let the mixture cool.
3. Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut out circles using a 4-5 inch round cutter or a glass.
- Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork.
- Place the empanadas on the baking sheet.
- Beat an egg and brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for a golden crust.
4. Bake the Empanadas:
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm, with your choice of salsa, chimichurri, or a dipping sauce.
Enjoy your delicious homemade beef empanadas!