Delicious Homemade Empanadas Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Empanadas are a favorite dish across many cultures, and for good reason! These tasty pastries can be filled with savory or sweet ingredients, making them a versatile option for meals, snacks, or parties. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe will guide you through making mouth-watering empanadas from scratch.

What are Empanadas?

Empanadas are stuffed pastries that originated in Spain and have since become a popular dish in many countries, especially in Latin America. They are made by folding dough over a filling, which can range from meats and cheeses to vegetables and fruits. These golden-brown delights can be baked or fried, depending on personal preference.

Why Make Empanadas at Home?

Making empanadas at home allows you to get creative with the fillings and ensure you use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Plus, homemade empanadas are often healthier than store-bought versions since you can control the amount of oil, salt, and other ingredients used.

Ingredients for Empanadas

Here’s a basic recipe for classic savory beef empanadas, but feel free to customize the filling to your taste!

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup cold water

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup bell peppers (any color), diced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olives, chopped (optional)
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

For Egg Wash:

1 egg, beaten (for brushing the empanadas)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

Start by making the empanada dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water. Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time. Once the dough comes together, knead it gently on a floured surface for about 2-3 minutes until smooth.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This will help the butter harden again, resulting in flakier empanadas.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is chilling, prepare your empanada filling. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned all over, then drain any excess fat from the pan. Add the diced bell peppers, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are softened.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the olives and chopped hard-boiled eggs if you are using them. Let the filling cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.

3. Assemble the Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Take the dough out of the fridge and divide it into equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick. The circles should be around 4-6 inches in diameter.

Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill them. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork or twist them to create a decorative seal.

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.

4. Bake the Empanadas

Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. The dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the filling can be stored for 3-4 days.
Freezing Empanadas: These empanadas freeze beautifully. You can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Customizing the Filling: Don’t feel limited to just beef. Try chicken, ham and cheese, spinach, or even sweet fillings like apple or pumpkin.

Health Benefits of Homemade Empanadas

Not only are empanadas delicious, but they can also be a healthier option when made at home. You can choose whole wheat flour for the dough or bake instead of frying to reduce the amount of oil used. By using fresh vegetables and lean meats, your empanadas can be part of a balanced meal.

Variations of Empanadas Around the World

Empanadas are enjoyed worldwide, and each country puts its own spin on this traditional dish. In Argentina, empanadas are often filled with beef, raisins, and olives. In Spain, you’ll find empanadas made with a seafood filling, like tuna or cod. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, empanadas often include sweet and savory fillings like chicken and plantains.

Exploring different empanada fillings is a fun way to experience flavors from around the world without leaving your kitchen!

Conclusion

Empanadas are a fantastic dish to make for any occasion. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious taste make them a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a weeknight meal, this empanada recipe is sure to please. Try it out and customize the fillings to suit your taste – the possibilities are endless!