Name: Empanadas Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed); 1 egg; 3/4 cup cold water; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 small onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional); 1 hard-boiled egg (chopped, optional); 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); Oil for frying or baking

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If you’re craving a savory treat that brings a little taste of Latin America straight to your kitchen, Empanadas will quickly become your new obsession. These hand-held pastries are golden on the outside, tender and bursting with flavor on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you fill them with beef, chicken, cheese, or veggies, the magic lies in each bite: that delicate buttery dough giving way to a warm, spiced filling perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Let’s dive into the irresistible world of Empanadas—you’ll soon understand why no gathering is complete without them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Building perfect Empanadas starts with straightforward, honest ingredients. Each component plays a part—from the flaky crust to the satisfying, deeply flavored filling. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re well on your way to Empanada bliss!

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, creating a sturdy yet tender pastry shell.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the filling.
Cold unsalted butter: Key to achieving that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth Empanada crust.
Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough, and another for giving the baked Empanadas a golden sheen.
Cold water: Keeps the dough supple without melting the butter—chilled is best!
White vinegar: The secret weapon for tender dough; just a splash makes a noticeable difference.
Olive oil: Used to sauté the filling, bringing out flavors and adding a fruity note.
Ground beef: Classic in traditional Empanadas, but feel free to substitute as you wish.
Onion and garlic: The aromatic base that infuses every bite with deep, savory flavor.
Red bell pepper: Brightens the mixture with both color and sweetness.
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano: Essential spices that deliver an unmistakable Latin flair.
Salt and pepper: To taste, for just the right savory balance.
Tomato sauce: Brings moisture and a hint of tang to the filling.
Chopped green olives (optional): Adds briny pops of flavor—totally worth trying!
Hard-boiled egg (optional): A classic touch that makes the filling extra satisfying.
Oil for baking or frying: Choose your favorite method—you can bake for a lighter result or fry for crispiness.

How to Make Empanadas

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or just your fingertips—stop when you see pea-sized crumbs. Next, whisk together an egg, cold water, and vinegar, then pour this mixture into the flour. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, and knead briefly on a floured surface until it just comes together. Wrap tightly and chill for at least 30 minutes (the wait is worth it for that ultimate flakiness).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as you go. Once browned, add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to soften and meld their flavors. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Add tomato sauce and let it simmer until thick and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, stir in chopped olives and hard-boiled egg for a truly irresistible Empanada filling. Let everything chill thoroughly before you start assembling (hot filling is the nemesis of crisp pastry).

Step 3: Shape the Empanadas

With your dough chilled and filling cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thick and cut out circles (4–6 inches works best). Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center, then fold the dough over into a half-moon, sealing tightly. Crimp the edges with a fork for that classic Empanada look—and don’t be afraid to get a little rustic, perfection isn’t necessary for deliciousness.

Step 4: Baking or Frying

If you love a golden, glossy finish, brush the Empanadas with beaten egg. For baking, arrange them on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden. Prefer something extra-crispy? Heat oil to 350°F and fry each Empanada for 2–3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels. Either way, get ready for some truly irresistible results.

How to Serve Empanadas

Garnishes

Empanadas are delightfully simple, but a flourish of garnish can make them restaurant-worthy. Try a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro, a few crumbles of queso fresco, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. If you love spice, add a side of chimichurri or salsa for dipping!

Side Dishes

Pair these golden beauties with a bright salad—think tangy slaw or grilled corn, or go for a bowl of rice and beans for a heartier meal. Empanadas play wonderfully with all kinds of sides, so there’s room for creativity on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, basket up bite-sized Empanadas for easy sharing. Hosting a more formal dinner? Serve on a platter lined with banana leaves and little bowls of different salsas for dipping—guaranteed to impress your guests. You can even do a build-your-own Empanada bar with assorted fillings for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Empanadas keep beautifully in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; the flavors actually deepen, making tomorrow’s lunch that much more exciting!

Freezing

Empanadas are a freezer-friendly dream: place unbaked pastries on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. You can bake them straight from frozen—just add 5 extra minutes to your bake time. This makes them perfect for last-minute snacks or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Empanadas in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, which will restore their crispiness and warm the filling evenly. The microwave works in a pinch, but nothing beats that fresh-from-the-oven texture!

FAQs

Can I use a different protein for the filling?

Absolutely! Empanadas are incredibly flexible. Try shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even a hearty mix of black beans and cheese if you’d like to go vegetarian.

What’s the secret to extra flaky pastry?

Keep your butter and liquids as cold as possible, and don’t overwork the dough. That way, little pockets of butter will create those lovely flaky layers when baked or fried.

Should I bake or fry Empanadas?

It depends on your mood! Baking yields a lighter, slightly softer Empanada, while frying guarantees a shatteringly crisp shell. Both are delicious—try both ways to see which you love more.

Can Empanadas be made gluten-free?

Yes! Choose your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Just add a pinch more liquid if the dough feels dry, and proceed as normal.

Why is my Empanada dough cracking or shrinking?

This usually means the dough needs more rest or moisture. Make sure to chill the dough, but let it warm slightly before rolling, and if needed, add a drop or two of cold water during mixing.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to give homemade Empanadas a try—you’ll be surprised at how easily they come together and just how quickly they disappear! Whether you’re cooking for a group or just treating yourself, nothing compares to the satisfaction of a warm Empanada in hand. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love (and the recipe) with your family and friends!

Empanadas Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Empanadas from scratch with this easy recipe. These savory pastries are filled with a flavorful beef mixture and can be baked or fried to crispy perfection. Perfect as an appetizer or a satisfying main course.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
1 egg
3/4 cup cold water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 small onion (finely chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup chopped green olives (optional)
1 hard-boiled egg (chopped, optional)

To Finish:

1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Oil for frying or baking

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg, water, and vinegar, then knead the dough until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: Cook ground beef in olive oil until browned. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, spices, and tomato sauce. Simmer until thickened. Stir in olives and egg. Cool.
Assemble Empanadas: Roll out dough, cut circles, add filling, fold, and crimp edges. Brush with egg wash if baking.
Bake or Fry: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes or fry until golden. Serve warm.