Empanada
Recipe, Argentina
Serves:
12 empanadas
Prep
Time: 30 minutes
Cook
Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For
the dough:
·
3
cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
·
1/2
teaspoon salt
·
1/2
cup (120 g) unsalted butter, chilled and diced
·
1
large egg
·
1/3
cup (80 ml) cold water
·
1
tablespoon white vinegar
For
the filling:
·
2
tablespoons olive oil
·
1
small onion, finely chopped
·
2
cloves garlic, minced
·
1/2
pound (225 g) ground beef or chicken
·
1/2
teaspoon paprika
·
1/2
teaspoon cumin
·
1/4
teaspoon chilli powder (optional)
·
1/2
cup bell pepper (any colour)
·
1/4
cup (40 g) chopped green olives (optional)
·
1/4
cup (40 g) raisins (optional)
·
Salt
and pepper to taste
·
1
hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional) For the assembly
·
1
egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Prepare the dough.
In
a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
Add
the cubed butter and mix with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture
resembles coarse crumbs.
In
a small bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and vinegar.
Add
this to the flour mixture and gently mix until a dough forms.
Wrap
the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling.
Heat
the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add
the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
Add
the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir
in the paprika, cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
If
using, add the bell pepper, green olives, raisins, and hard-boiled egg.
Cook
for a few more minutes.
Remove
from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Empanadas.
Preheat
oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line
a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll
out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut
out 4–6 inch circles using a cutter or bowl.
Place
1–2 tablespoons of filling in the centre of each circle.
Fold
the dough over to create a crescent shape, and then seal the edges by pressing
with a fork or pinching with your hands.
Bake Empanadas:
Place
empanadas on prepared baking sheet.
Brush
tops with beaten egg.
Bake
20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve:
Let
empanadas cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.