Golden Empanadas Recipe: The Easy Way to Flavorful Bites

Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries.

They are a type of pastry that is typically filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables.

The dough is then folded over the filling and sealed to create a half-moon shape.

Once they are baked, they turn golden brown and have a delicious, crispy texture.

This golden empanadas recipe is a great way to make your own tasty empanadas at home.

The recipe is easy to follow and requires just a few simple ingredients.

You can also customize the filling to your liking, making it a versatile dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green olives
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by making the dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Then, add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. In a small bowl, beat the egg, water, and vinegar together. Then, pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.

  3. Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Then, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to let it rest.

  4. While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until they are soft and fragrant.

  5. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it is browned. Make sure to break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks to ensure that it cooks evenly.

  6. Once the beef is cooked, add the cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet and stir to coat the meat evenly with the spices. Then, add the chopped bell pepper, green olives, and raisins to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes. Finally, season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, and then remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool.

  7. After the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  8. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Then, use a round cutter or a small plate to cut out circles from the dough.

  9. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Then, fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and use a fork to seal the edges.

  10. Once all the empanadas are assembled, place them on the prepared baking sheet. Then, beat an egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when they bake.

  11. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once they are done, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

  12. Serve the golden empanadas warm and enjoy!

The Basics of Crafting Golden Empanadas

A kitchen counter with various ingredients, a mixing bowl, and a rolling pin.</p><p>A tray of freshly baked golden empanadas cooling on a wire rack

Empanadas are tasty pockets of dough filled with savory delights, perfect as a snack or appetizer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • ½ cup shortening
  • 2 ½ cups warm water
  • 1 egg (beaten, for brushing)
  • Your choice of filling (ground beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables)

Steps to Make Golden Empanadas:

  1. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix shortening with 2 cups of warm water. Gradually add flour, stirring with a spatula until it forms a dough. Then, knead the dough by hand until it’s soft and sticky.

  2. Prepare the Filling: Cook your choice of filling, like beef with onions or cheese with spinach. Let it cool.

  3. Shape the Empanadas: Divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, then place a spoonful of filling in the center.

  4. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Then, press the edges together and crimp them with a fork.

  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet, then brush them with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy these warm, comforting golden empanadas fresh out of the oven!