Delicious Empanada Recipe That Will Make You Want to Cook Every Day!

Hey there foodies! If you are looking for an easy and scrumptious dish to add to your menu, look no further than this delicious empanada recipe! Empanadas are a popular South American pastry that is stuffed with a variety of fillings and baked or fried to perfection. They are perfect as an appetizer, a snack, or even a main course. Once you try this recipe, you will want to cook it every day!

Empanadas are versatile and can be filled with just about anything – from meat to vegetables to fruit. They are easy to transport and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties or picnics. Plus, they are kid-friendly and can be customized to suit anyone’s taste. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this empanada recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to your liking.

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How to Make Empanadas at Home

Introduction

Empanadas are a popular snack and side dish in various cultures, including Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines. These delicacies are usually made up of a filling that can range from meat to vegetables and are enclosed in a pastry shell made from flour. They are savory, crispy, and delicious, which is why they have a global following.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed to make empanadas can vary depending on the type of filling you want to use. However, the essential ingredients needed to make the dough include:

2 cups of flour
½ tsp of baking powder
½ tsp of salt
⅓ cup of water
⅓ cup of vegetable shortening
Egg wash – 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water

Instructions for Dough

Making empanada dough is relatively easy, and you can do so with a few simple steps.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.
In another bowl, mix the water and shortening.
Add the water and shortening mixture to the flour and mix until it forms a dough.
Knead the dough with your hands for about two minutes until smooth.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Tips for a perfect dough:

Do not over-knead the dough – it can make it tougher.
Make sure the dough is at room temperature before attempting to roll out.
Use a rolling pin and add flour as needed.
Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.

Once you have your dough ready, you can start preparing the filling. The beauty of empanadas is that you can use any filling you like. Below are some of the popular empanada fillings.

Empanada Fillings

Ground beef: Seasoned with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
Chicken: Cooked and shredded and sautéed with onions, garlic, peppers, tomato sauce, paprika, and cumin.
Cheese and Spinach: A combination of cheese, spinach, and sautéed onions.
Veggie: A mix of mushrooms, peppers, onions, garlic, and zucchini.

Once you have your filling, it’s time to assemble the empanadas.

Assembly and Baking

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out the dough, cut out circles, and add a spoonful of filling to the center of the circle.
Brush the edges of the circle with the egg wash before folding it over and pinching the edges to close it.
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush the tops of the empanadas with egg wash, which will give them a nice golden color after baking.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown.

Once done, take the empanadas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Empanadas can be served hot or cold, and you can enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or a full meal. In conclusion, empanadas offer a delicious and versatile food option, perfect for any occasion. So, why not try making some empanadas at home today?

Instructions for Filling

Making the perfect filling is the key to a delicious empanada. Whether you prefer meat, veggies, or cheese, there are numerous options to choose from. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make each filling:

Meat Filling

For the meat filling, you can use a variety of options such as beef, chicken, lamb, or pork. Begin by heating oil in a pan and sautéing onions and garlic until they become fragrant. Then, add the meat of your choice and cook until it begins to brown.

Next, add your desired spices and seasonings like cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add chopped tomatoes and peppers to add more flavor and texture to your filling. Continue cooking until the meat is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

Let the filling cool before using it in your empanada. It’s best to keep it chilled in the refrigerator before assembling your empanadas to prevent any leakage.

Veggie Filling

For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option, a veggie filling is the perfect choice. Begin by chopping your favorite vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and carrots into small pieces. Heat oil in a pan and add the veggies, cooking until they become tender.

Add your desired spices and seasonings like thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add chopped tomatoes or salsa for a tangy flavor. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and the flavors meld together.

Let the filling cool before using it in your empanadas. You can also add some grated cheese or tofu to give it some extra texture and flavor.

Cheese Filling

Cheese lovers, this filling is for you. You can use any type of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or feta. Begin by grating the cheese and mixing it with your desired ingredients like caramelized onions, chopped garlic, and herbs like parsley or basil.

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some kick. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.

Let the filling cool before using it in your empanadas. You can also add some cooked ground beef or chicken for added protein.

In conclusion, making your own filling for empanadas is easy and delicious. Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations until you find your favorite. With these simple instructions, you’ll be able to make perfect empanada fillings that everyone will love.

Assembly and Baking

Rolling and Cutting Dough

Rolling and cutting the dough is an essential part of making empanadas. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your empanadas come out perfect every time.

First, make sure the dough is at room temperature and not too sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour until it’s easier to work with.

Dust your work surface with flour and place the dough on top. Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. If it’s too thin, it may break during the cooking process. If it’s too thick, the empanada will be heavy and not crispy.

Use a circular cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles from the dough. Depending on the size of your cutter or bowl, you can make miniature empanadas or larger ones. Repeat the process until you’ve used up all the dough.

Filling and Folding Dough

The filling is the star of the show when it comes to empanadas. Here’s how to fill and fold the dough.

Start by placing a small amount of filling in the center of each dough circle. Do not overfill, as it will be difficult to seal the empanada and it may break during the cooking process.

Next, fold the dough in half so that the edges meet and create a half-moon shape. Use your fingers to press down on the edges and create a tight seal. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges.

For a classic empanada shape, pinch the edges and twist them around to create a rope-like texture. This not only looks great but also prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.

Baking and Serving

The final step is baking the empanadas to crispy perfection. Here are some tips for baking and serving:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with egg wash or milk for a golden brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Alternatively, you can cook the empanadas on the stovetop. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes on each side or until crispy and golden brown.

Serve the empanadas hot with your desired accompaniments, such as chimichurri sauce or salsa. Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Thank You for Reading and Come Back Soon!

We hope you enjoyed this empanada recipe article and that it has inspired you to try making some yourself. If you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Remember, this recipe is just one of many delicious possibilities when it comes to empanadas, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings and seasonings. The beauty of cooking is that there are no rules, so feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to see you back here soon for more tasty inspiration. Happy cooking!

FAQ

1. Are empanadas difficult to make?

Not at all! With a simple dough recipe and your favourite filling, you can have delicious homemade empanadas in no time.

2. What is the most common empanada filling?

Beef is the most traditional filling for empanadas, but you can also find them filled with chicken, cheese, vegetables, and more.

3. Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the empanadas up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

4. How do I fold the empanada dough?

There are many ways to fold the dough, but the most common is to fold it in half and crimp the edges together with a fork.

5. Can I freeze empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply place them in the oven frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.