Empanada

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• Intensity: Medium

Servings:

• Serves: 12 empanadas

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 tbsp white vinegar

For the Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)

For Assembly:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cold water, and vinegar. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the tomato sauce, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the sliced olives and chopped hard-boiled egg, if using. Allow the filling to cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

9. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles of dough.
11. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
12. Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.

Step 4: Bake the Empanadas

13. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

14. Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information (Per Empanada):

• Calories: 260
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 340mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 10g