Empanadas

Meat and Cheese Empanadas - Delicious and Easy Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Empanadas are a perfect choice for a quick meal, snack, or appetizer! These delicious pockets filled with meat and cheese are not only tasty but also versatile, making them ideal for any occasion. Their history is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions, where thin dough was filled with various ingredients, from meat to vegetables or cheeses. Let’s embark on this savory cooking adventure together!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 150 g warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks

For the filling:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 50 g chorizo, diced
- 50 g smoked ham, chopped
- 100 g ground beef
- 40 g cheese, grated
- 1 small red chili pepper, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons oil for sautéing

For frying:
- Oil (if you choose the fried version)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
- Flax or sesame seeds for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

1. Heat the oil: Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chili pepper: Toss the red chili pepper into the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes to infuse the oil with its spicy flavor.
3. Add the onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add chorizo and ham: Add the chorizo and smoked ham, stirring well. Let them sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Ground beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
6. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and optionally a pinch of garam masala or paprika for extra flavor. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then add the grated cheese and mix well.

Step 2: Prepare the dough

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil, warm water, and egg yolks.
2. Knead the dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it's too sticky, add a little flour.
3. Form balls: Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut) and flatten them on a piece of plastic wrap, forming thin discs.

Step 3: Assemble the empanadas

1. Fill and seal: Place a tablespoon of filling on each dough disc. Fold it in half to form a crescent and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges and prevent the filling from leaking.
2. Prepare for cooking: Brush each empanada with egg yolk and, if desired, sprinkle flax or sesame seeds for a decorative touch.

Step 4: Cook the empanadas

1. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep skillet. Fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
2. Baking: Alternatively, for a healthier option, arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until golden.

Serving and Pairing

Empanadas are served warm, alongside delicious sauces such as a creamy avocado dip or a spicy tomato sauce with peppers. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer at a party, paired with a refreshing drink or a dry white wine, which will perfectly balance the spicy flavors of the filling.

Useful Tips

- Filling variations: Experiment with other types of meat, such as chicken or pork, or use vegetables and cheese for a vegetarian version.
- Freezing: Empanadas can be frozen before cooking. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray, freeze them, then transfer to a sealed bag. When you want to cook them, just fry or bake them straight from the freezer.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: One empanada has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling and cooking method. They provide a good source of protein and healthy fats, especially if you use olive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, although the texture will be different.

2. Can I prepare empanadas a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them and keep them in the fridge, covered, until cooking.

3. What sauces are best?
Yogurt-based sauces or spicy tomato sauces are excellent, but you can also experiment with garlic yogurt sauces or salsa.

These meat and cheese empanadas are a true delight that will bring smiles to your loved ones' faces. Don't forget to have fun in the kitchen and bring a little of your personality into every recipe! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400 g flour, 4 tbsp olive oil, 150 g warm water, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 small egg yolks. Filling: 1 onion, 50 g chorizo, 50 g smoked ham, 100 g minced beef, 40 g cheese, salt, black pepper, 1 small red chili, 4 tbsp oil for sautéing, oil for deep frying - if baking, you don't need it, 1 egg yolk for brushing, sesame or flax seeds for decoration.

 Tags:  meat packages