Description
Enjoy the perfect empanadas recipe featuring golden, flaky pastry with customizable fillings. Choose savory or sweet options, bake or fry to perfection, and discover why these hand-held delights are loved worldwide.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
1 egg
1/3 cup cold water
1 tablespoon vinegar
For the Filling (Savory Option):
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground beef or chicken
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup diced potatoes or peas (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Whisk egg, water, and vinegar in another bowl, then add gradually to the flour mixture.
- Knead gently, shape into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add ground meat, cook until browned, and break apart.
- Stir in spices and optional vegetables. Let cool.
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4- to 6-inch circles.
- Add filling to each circle, fold into half-moons, and seal with a fork.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and brush with a beaten egg.
Cook:
- Bake: 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
- Fry: 2-3 minutes per side in heated oil.
Notes
Experiment with savory or sweet fillings for variety.
Store and reheat easily for later use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 empanadas
- Calories: 260 kcal (per empanada, depending on filling)
