Empanadas

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Discover the joy of making homemade empanadas with our easy-to-follow recipe. These delightful pastry pockets are filled with a savory blend of ground beef, potatoes, peas, and spices, encased in a flaky, buttery dough. Perfect for any occasion, these empanadas are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

for Empanada Dough:

  • 3 cups flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup cold water

for Empanada Filling:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, diced
  • 12 oz. ground beef
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 6 oz. boiled potato, diced
  • ¼ cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, butter, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until pea-sized crumbs form. Add egg and cold water, pulse until dough forms. Chill for 1 hour.

For the Filling:

  1. Cook the Filling: Sauté onion and jalapeno in olive oil. Add ground beef, salt, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook until beef is browned. Stir in potato, peas, parsley, and green onions.

Assemble and Fry Empanadas:

  1. Assemble: Roll out dough, cut into circles. Place filling, fold, crimp edges with a fork.
  2. Fry: Heat oil, fry empanadas until golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy Serve hot with salsa or sour cream. These empanadas are a perfect blend of crispy crust and savory filling, ideal for satisfying cravings at any gathering.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve empanadas hot and crispy, accompanied by your favorite salsa or a dollop of sour cream for dipping.
  • Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Empanadas also make excellent appetizers for parties or gatherings.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, arrange cooled empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen empanadas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Tips for Maintaining Freshness:

  • Allow empanadas to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
  • For freezing, ensure empanadas are well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
  • Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Enjoying Leftovers:

  • Leftover empanadas can be enjoyed cold or reheated for a quick and satisfying snack or meal.
  • Serve with additional salsa or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your homemade empanadas remain delicious and fresh, whether enjoyed immediately or later on.

Variations :

  1. Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
  2. Chicken Empanadas: Substitute ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. Season with cumin, oregano, and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist. Add diced tomatoes or green chilies for extra flavor.
  3. Cheese Empanadas: Create a cheesy delight by adding shredded cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar to the filling mixture. The cheese melts beautifully inside the empanada for a gooey center.
  4. Seafood Empanadas: Use cooked shrimp, crab meat, or a combination of seafood as the filling. Season with garlic, paprika, and a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing seafood flavor.
  5. Spicy Empanadas: Kick up the heat by adding more jalapenos or your favorite hot sauce to the filling. Sprinkle with chili flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
  6. Sweet Empanadas: For a dessert version, fill the dough with fruit preserves such as apple, peach, or guava. Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a sweet treat.
  7. Breakfast Empanadas: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked breakfast sausage or bacon for a hearty morning meal on the go. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for added flavor.
  8. Mushroom and Spinach Empanadas: Sauté mushrooms and spinach with garlic and onions. Add a touch of cream cheese for richness and season with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory vegetarian option.
  9. Asian-inspired Empanadas: Use a filling of ground pork or chicken mixed with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Add vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and green onions for an Asian twist.
  10. Pumpkin Empanadas: Fill with a sweet pumpkin puree seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for a festive fall treat.

Experiment with these variations to create a diverse array of empanadas that cater to different tastes and occasions. Whether savory or sweet, these variations ensure there’s an empanada for every palate!

FAQs:

  1. Can I make the empanada dough ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling out.
  2. Can I bake instead of fry the empanadas?
    • Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. How do I prevent the empanadas from leaking during frying?
    • Ensure that the edges are tightly sealed before frying. Use a fork to crimp the edges well or press them with your fingers to seal them securely.
  4. Can I use store-bought empanada dough?
    • Yes, you can use store-bought empanada dough if you’re short on time. Follow the instructions on the package for best results.
  5. What are some dipping sauce options for empanadas?
    • Empanadas pair well with salsa verde, chimichurri sauce, avocado crema, or a simple tomato salsa. You can also serve them with sour cream or a spicy mayo dip.
  6. How do I reheat leftover empanadas?
    • To reheat, place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  7. Can I freeze cooked empanadas?
    • Yes, cooked empanadas can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through.
  8. What can I substitute for ground beef in the filling?
    • You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even a mixture of beans for a vegetarian option.
  9. How do I know when the oil is ready for frying empanadas?
    • Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the hot oil. It should sizzle and float to the top. The ideal frying temperature is between 350°F and 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
  10. Can I make mini-sized empanadas for appetizers?
    • Yes, you can make smaller empanadas by using a smaller circle cutter or dividing the dough into smaller portions. Adjust the filling amount accordingly and reduce the frying time as needed.

These FAQs should provide answers to common questions about making and enjoying homemade empanadas, ensuring a successful cooking experience!

Master the art of making empanadas with our detailed recipe. Whether as a snack or main course, these homemade empanadas will elevate your culinary skills and delight your taste buds. Try this recipe today and savor the authentic flavors of homemade empanadas!