A Taste of South America: Beef Empanadas Recipe
Empanadas are delightful savory pastries that have captured the hearts and taste buds of people worldwide. These golden, flaky parcels filled with a tasty mixture of beef, onions, and spices are both comforting and satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create your own delicious batch of beef empanadas. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a delicious snack, these savory treats are sure to become a favourite in your household.
Ingredients:
For the pastry:
– 300g plain flour
– 150g unsalted butter, cold and diced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 large egg
– 3-4 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
– 300g minced beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
– 12 pitted green olives, chopped (optional)
Preparing the Pastry:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Beat the egg and add it to the mixture. Gradually add the cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking the Filling:
1. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until softened.
2. Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until browned. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another few minutes until the meat is fully cooked.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool. Stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and olives if desired.
Assembly and Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough.
3. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the centre of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half to enclose the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Place the empanadas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked to perfection, these beef empanadas are best enjoyed warm. They can be served as a delicious appetizer, a tasty snack, or as part of a meal with a side salad. The tender beef, aromatic spices, and buttery pastry combine to create a mouth-watering experience with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a savoury treat, these homemade beef empanadas are sure to impress. Embrace the culinary traditions of South America with this delectable recipe that will have everyone coming back for more. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative in the kitchen, and savour the delightful flavours of homemade beef empanadas.