Empanada Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously golden, crispy treat stuffed with savory fillings, then empanadas are about to become your new best friend. These little pockets of joy are perfect for almost any occasion—whether you’re craving a snack, prepping for a party, or making a comforting meal for the whole family. Trust me, once you bite into a warm, flaky empanada with that irresistible filling, you’ll be hooked.

The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. You can stuff them with pretty much anything your heart desires—meat, veggies, cheese, even sweet fillings like fruit or chocolate. But whether you go traditional or get creative, the golden, flaky crust is what truly steals the show.

Why You’ll Love Empanadas

• Customizable Fillings: You can stuff empanadas with whatever flavors you love. From spiced ground beef to creamy cheese or even sweet options, the possibilities are endless.
• Easy to Make: While they might look fancy, these empanadas are surprisingly easy to make! The process is simple, and with a little practice, you’ll have them down in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a potluck, or game day snacks, empanadas are a hit everywhere. They’re handheld, making them easy to eat, and the flavor combinations are always crowd-pleasers.
• Freezable: These little delights freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you like. Just pop them in the oven or fry them up for a quick snack.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious, golden empanadas:

Dough:

• Flour: The base of the dough, creating that lovely soft texture.
• Butter: Adds flakiness and richness to the dough, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Egg: Used for binding the dough and helping with texture.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the flavor of the dough.
• Water: To bring everything together and form a soft, workable dough.

Filling:

• Ground Beef (or your choice of protein): This is the most traditional filling for empanadas, but feel free to switch it up with chicken, pork, or even veggies.
• Onion: For a little sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Garlic: A must for savory fillings, adding a punch of flavor.
• Spices: Ground cumin, paprika, and a little chili powder for heat make this filling burst with flavor.
• Olives (optional): For a little tang and briny goodness that perfectly complements the richness of the beef.
• Boiled Egg (optional): A traditional addition that gives the filling extra texture and richness.
• Cheese (optional): Melted cheese inside the empanada is always a winner! You can use mozzarella or any cheese that melts well.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making empanadas is a simple but fun process. Here’s how you can bring these delicious pockets of flavor to life:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and work it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with water, then add it to the flour mixture. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rests, heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in any optional ingredients like olives, boiled egg, or cheese, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has rested, divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball out into a thin circle on a floured surface, about 4-5 inches in diameter. You can use a plate or a bowl as a template to get a perfect round shape.

Step 4: Fill the Empanadas

Spoon a small amount of the cooled filling onto the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overstuff, as you want to be able to seal them properly. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and then crimp the edges with a fork to seal them tightly.

Step 5: Cook the Empanadas

At this point, you have two options for cooking:

• Frying: Heat a few inches of oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels.
• Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with egg wash (an egg beaten with a little water) for a golden finish, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect on their own or paired with a simple dipping sauce like chimichurri, sour cream, or salsa. Enjoy these crispy, flaky little pockets of flavor!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition for one empanada (based on 8 servings):

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 250-300 calories
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Vitamin C: 2%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 12%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (if frying) / 25-30 minutes (if baking)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (if frying) / 1 hour 30 minutes (if baking)

How to Serve Empanadas

• As an Appetizer: Serve these crispy, golden empanadas with a dipping sauce like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. They make a perfect appetizer for a party or casual get-together.
• As a Main Course: Pair the empanadas with a light salad, roasted veggies, or some crispy fries for a more substantial meal.
• For a Snack: These are perfect on their own for a delicious, handheld snack any time of day.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the empanadas ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Just pop them in the oven or fry them straight from the freezer for a quick meal.
• Make it Sweet: If you’re craving something sweet, fill the empanadas with fruit like apples or berries, and sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top before baking or frying.
• Use Pre-made Dough: If you’re in a time crunch, you can buy pre-made empanada dough from most grocery stores, which will save you time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different filling?

A1: Absolutely! Empanadas are very versatile. You can use chicken, pork, cheese, vegetables, or even sweet fillings like chocolate and fruit.

Q2: Can I bake empanadas instead of frying them?

A2: Yes, baking is a great option if you prefer a lighter empanada. Just brush them with egg wash before baking for a golden finish.

Q3: Can I freeze empanadas?

A3: Yes! You can freeze the assembled empanadas before cooking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then store in a freezer bag. Bake or fry them straight from the freezer when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: How long can I store leftover empanadas?

A4: Leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q5: How do I reheat empanadas?

A5: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to crisp them up again.

Q6: Can I make empanadas without meat?

A6: Absolutely! You can fill them with any combination of vegetables, cheese, or beans. Consider using spinach, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes.

Q7: Can I use store-bought dough for empanadas?

A7: Yes, using store-bought dough is a time-saving shortcut, and it works well in a pinch. Just make sure to roll it thin enough for that perfect golden crisp!

Q8: What’s the best oil for frying empanadas?

A8: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil. This will help get your empanadas crispy without burning.

Q9: Can I make empanadas with a sweet filling?

A9: Definitely! You can fill empanadas with sweet fillings like chocolate, dulce de leche, or fruit. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning in the dough to make it slightly sweet.

Q10: How can I make my empanadas extra crispy?

A10: For extra crispiness, make sure your oil is hot enough when frying (350°F or 175°C), and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches for an even, golden finish.

Conclusion

These empanadas are a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s easy to make and totally customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you prefer savory or sweet fillings, the flaky, golden crust is always the star of the show. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, flavorful dish. Enjoy!

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