Description
Learn to make delicious and savory Empanadas with a flaky crust and a flavorful meat filling. These Latin American treats are perfect for a family dinner or as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk egg, water, and vinegar in a small bowl, then add to flour mixture. Knead lightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Add ground meat, spices, and tomato paste. Stir in olives and egg if using. Let cool.
- Assemble Empanadas: Preheat oven. Roll dough, cut into circles, place filling in center, fold dough, and seal edges. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake empanadas until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Empanadas can also be fried instead of baked.
- Try different fillings like cheese, spinach, or ham.
- Empanadas freeze well before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American, Spanish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
