Empanadas are a popular Latin American snack, known for their crispy golden crust and flavorful fillings. Whether savory or sweet, these pastry pockets are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Making empanadas at home is easier than you might think, and you can customize the fillings to suit your taste. Here’s a simple guide to making empanadas from scratch.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg (for the dough)
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, for extra flakiness)
- For the Filling (Beef Empanadas):
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water (for moisture)
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying, or you can bake them)
- For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the empanadas before baking or frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the cubed cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the vegetable oil and vinegar (if using).
- Add the egg and cold water a little at a time, mixing until a dough forms. You may need more or less water, so add just enough until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest and firm up.
2. Make the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the beef broth (or water) and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture is moist but not too soupy.
- Stir in the olives, raisins, and chopped hard-boiled egg (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste. Set the filling aside to cool completely before assembling the empanadas.
3. Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you’re baking, or heat vegetable oil in a deep pan for frying.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter) from the dough.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle, making sure not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork or twist them to ensure they are tightly sealed.
- If baking, brush the tops of the empanadas with a beaten egg to give them a golden finish. If frying, skip this step.
4. Cook the Empanadas:
- To Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- To Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a small piece of dough in – it should sizzle immediately), fry the empanadas in batches, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve:
Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips for Perfect Empanadas:
- Dough Variations: You can use store-bought empanada dough for convenience, but homemade dough gives a richer flavor and texture.
- Filling Options: Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including shredded chicken, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like apples and cinnamon. Just make sure the filling is not too wet to avoid soggy dough.
- Make Ahead: Empanadas can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, bake or fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Empanadas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily made at home. Whether you’re craving savory beef empanadas or experimenting with different fillings, this recipe provides a simple and customizable way to enjoy these Latin American treats. With a crispy golden crust and flavorful filling, they’re perfect for any occasion—just be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds!
