Empanadas 

Introduction

Empanadas are savory pastries with a golden, flaky crust and a delicious filling, popular in Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino cuisines. They can be baked or fried, and the fillings vary widely—from meats and cheeses to vegetables and seafood. This recipe will focus on a classic beef and cheese empanada, but it can easily be adapted to chicken, vegetables, or sweet fillings.

---

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water (more if needed)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice

For the Filling (Beef & Cheese)

• 250 g ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For Assembly

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Flour for dusting

---

Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet or frying pan
• Fork

---

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add cold butter cubes and cut into the flour using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Beat the egg and mix it with cold water and vinegar.
4. Gradually add the liquid to the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Remove from heat and stir in chopped olives, chopped hard-boiled egg, and shredded cheese.
6. Allow the filling to cool before assembling.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking.
2. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 3 mm (1/8 inch) thickness.
3. Use a round cutter (about 10–12 cm / 4–5 inches) to cut out circles.
4. Place 1–2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
6. Press the edges together with a fork to seal.
7. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish.

---

Step 4: Cook the Empanadas

Option 1: Baking (Healthier)

1. Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.

Option 2: Frying (Traditional)

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F).
2. Fry empanadas in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Drain on paper towels.

---

Step 5: Serve

• Serve warm on their own or with chimichurri, salsa, or sour cream.
• Great as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.

---

Tips for Best Results

• Keep the dough cold to ensure a flaky crust.
• Do not overfill the empanadas; too much filling can cause them to burst.
• For a sweeter version, fill with fruits like apples or dulce de leche and skip the savory spices.
• You can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

---

This recipe produces empanadas with a crisp, golden crust and a savory, well-seasoned filling, perfect for parties, family meals, or meal prep.