Empanada is a famous pastry in Argentine cuisine, typically filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese or vegetables.
Contents
Here is a traditional Argentine empanada recipe using a beef filling.
Empanada dough ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup lard or shortening, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Beef filling ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Empanada dough:
Prepare the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and lard. Using your fingers, crumble the fats into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add water and knead:
- Gradually add the cold water and knead the dough until it comes together and forms a smooth, non-sticky ball. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Divide and roll:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions and roll each portion into a thin circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter.
Beef filling:
Cook the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
Season the filling:
- Add ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef mixture. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
Add remaining ingredients:
- Remove from heat and stir the chopped boiled eggs and green olives. Let the filling mixture cool.
Assemble and bake:
Fill the Dough:
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the centre of each dough circle.
Fold and seal:
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges.
Egg wash and bake:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the empanadas for a golden finish.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve:
- Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious Argentine empanadas with chimichurri sauce or your favourite dipping sauce!
These empanadas are versatile, and you can experiment with different fillings based on your preferences. Enjoy your homemade Argentine empanadas!
Also read: South Africa, malva pudding
