Empanadas

Empanadas: Delicious Stuffed Pastries with Meat and Eggs

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Empanadas are a perfect choice for a savory snack, an elegant appetizer, or even a main course. These stuffed pastries are very popular worldwide, appreciated not only for their versatility but also for their delicious combination of flavors. Whether you serve them at a party, a family meal, or simply as a snack during the day, empanadas are always welcome!

The history of empanadas is fascinating: it is believed that this dish was created out of the need to preserve food, and the filling varied based on available ingredients. Today, there are numerous variations, and we will explore a classic recipe with meat and eggs.

Necessary ingredients:

For the dough:
- 225 g flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 40 g oil (about 50 ml)
- 120 ml warm milk
- Salt (to taste)

For the filling:
- 2 small onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil or lard
- 400 g ground beef
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper paste (e.g., Eros Pista)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A pinch of hot paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- 2 boiled eggs
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the sifted flour and a pinch of salt. In another container, beat the egg yolk, then combine it with the oil and warm milk. Mix well to combine.

2. Incorporate the liquid mixture into the flour, stirring with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a skillet, heat the oil or lard over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and slightly golden. Add the ground beef and cook until it changes color.

5. Season the meat with hot pepper paste, sweet paprika, hot paprika, cumin, pepper, salt, and oregano. Mix well and let the filling cool slightly.

6. Boil the eggs for 10 minutes, then cool them quickly in cold water. Peel and slice them thinly.

7. Assemble the empanadas:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 3 mm. Use a cup or cutter to cut out circles of dough.

8. On each circle, place a teaspoon of the meat mixture and a few slices of boiled egg. Fold one half of the dough circle over the filling, gently pressing the edges with your fingers to seal them.

9. Use a fork to create a crimped pattern along the edge of the empanadas, ensuring the filling is well sealed.

10. Place the empanadas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each empanada with egg yolk to achieve a golden, appetizing crust.

11. Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

12. Serve the empanadas warm or cold, depending on your preference. These delicious pastries can be accompanied by a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with various fillings using chicken, cheese, vegetables, or mushrooms. The options are endless!
- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought pie dough.
- Empanadas can be frozen before baking. Once formed, keep them in an airtight container and bake them directly from the freezer when you crave them.

Nutritional information (per empanada, estimated):
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour adds extra fiber and nutrients, but it will change the texture of the dough.

2. How can I make empanadas spicier?
Add more hot pepper paste or use fresh hot peppers in the filling.

3. What drinks pair well with empanadas?
These pastries pair wonderfully with a dry white wine or a refreshing blonde beer. You can also try a citrus juice for a pleasant contrast.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! Empanadas are waiting for you to discover their flavor. Each bite will be an explosion of flavors that will bring a smile to your face. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: Dough: 225 g flour, 1 egg yolk, 40 g oil (50 ml), 120 ml warm milk, salt. Filling: 2 small onions, finely chopped, 2 tablespoons oil or lard, 400 g minced beef, 1 teaspoon hot pepper paste from a jar (Eros Pista), 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, a pinch of hot paprika, ground cumin, pepper, oregano, 2 boiled eggs, 1 yolk for brushing.