Empanadas

Here’s a basic recipe for savory beef empanadas:

Ingredients:

 

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

– 1/4 cup cold water

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup pitted olives, chopped (optional)

– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

 

Instructions:

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
4. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough.
5. Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle. Add a few chopped olives and pieces of hard-boiled egg if desired.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges of the empanada.
7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg.
8. Bake the empanadas for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your homemade beef empanadas!

 

Feel free to customize the filling by adding or substituting ingredients according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes for your empanadas.