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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, empanadas are the perfect choice. These savory pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, cheese, and vegetables, and then baked in the oven until golden and crispy. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of making empanadas in the oven.
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. The basic empanada dough requires flour, salt, water, and butter. You can also add some baking powder to make the dough lighter and fluffier. For the filling, you can use any combination of ingredients that you like. Some popular options include ground beef, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and olives. You can also get creative and experiment with different flavors and fillings.
To make the dough, simply mix the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Gradually add water, a little at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.
Once the dough has rested, it’s time to prepare the filling. Cook the meat and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until they are cooked through and any liquid has evaporated. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Now, you’re ready to assemble your empanadas.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough. Spoon a small amount of filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanada. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from beaten egg and water. This will give the empanadas a beautiful golden color when baked. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
Allow the empanadas to cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Serve with salsa, guacamole, or any other dipping sauce of your choice. These homemade empanadas are perfect for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a packed lunch. Try different fillings and get creative with the flavors to make them your own. Enjoy!
What are empanadas?
Empanadas are a traditional dish in many Latin American countries. They are a type of stuffed pastry, similar to a turnover or a hand pie. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means to wrap or coat in bread.
Empanadas are typically made by folding dough over a filling and sealing the edges to create a pocket. The dough is usually made from flour, water, and fat, such as butter or lard. The filling can vary greatly, but it often includes meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spices.
Empanadas can be baked or fried, depending on personal preference. Baked empanadas are cooked in the oven until the pastry is golden and crispy, while fried empanadas are cooked in hot oil until they are crispy and browned.
Empanadas are a versatile dish and can be served as a main course, appetizer, or snack. They are popular at gatherings and parties and are often accompanied by dipping sauces or condiments.
In summary, empanadas are a delicious and savory pastry filled with a variety of ingredients. They are a staple in Latin American cuisine and can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Ingredients for empanadas
To make delicious empanadas, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup of ice cold water
- 1 pound of ground beef or your choice of filling (chicken, pork, or vegetarian)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of pitted olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
Step-by-step guide to making empanadas dough
Empanadas are a delicious and popular dish, and making the dough from scratch is an essential part of the process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to make the perfect empanada dough:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
- Add the chilled and cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add the cold water to the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough onto a clean, floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the rolled-out dough. The size of the circles will depend on how big you want your empanadas to be.
- Place a spoonful of your desired filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Use a fork to seal the edges of the empanadas, pressing down firmly.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough circles and filling.
Now that you have mastered the art of making empanadas dough, you are ready to move on to the next steps of cooking and enjoying these delicious treats. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, empanadas are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Preparing the empanadas filling
Before you can start filling your empanadas, you need to prepare the filling mixture. This will give your empanadas their delicious and flavorful center. Here is how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sautee until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to combine and let the spices toast for a minute or two.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling mixture cool slightly before using it to fill your empanadas. This will prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Now that your empanadas filling is ready, you can move on to assembling and baking your empanadas in the oven. Enjoy!
How to assemble empanadas
Assembling empanadas is a simple and enjoyable process. Follow these steps to create delicious empanadas:
- Prepare the empanada dough according to your recipe.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one into a circle on a floured surface, ensuring that the circles are thin but not too fragile.
- Place a spoonful of your desired filling in the center of each dough circle. You can choose from a variety of fillings including meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of these.
- Moisten the edges of the dough circle with water using your finger.
- Fold the dough circle in half to form a semi-circle, making sure the filling is enclosed.
- Seal the edges of the empanada by pressing them together firmly with your fingers or using a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until all the empanadas are assembled.
Once the empanadas are assembled, they are ready to be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature according to your recipe, place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake until golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy your homemade empanadas as an appetizer, snack, or main course!
Cooking empanadas in the oven
Empanadas are a delicious Latin American dish consisting of pastry filled with various ingredients. While they are commonly fried, baking empanadas in the oven is a healthier alternative that still results in a crispy treat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook empanadas in the oven.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup filling of your choice (e.g. ground meat, cheese, vegetables)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the empanadas with beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.
Now you can enjoy your homemade empanadas straight from the oven! They make a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a meal when served with a side of salad or salsa. Experiment with different fillings and share this delightful dish with friends and family.
FAQ
What are empanadas?
Empanadas are a type of pastry that originated in Spain and are popular in many Latin American countries. They consist of a thin dough that is filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, cheese, vegetables, or fruit.
How do you make empanada dough?
To make empanada dough, you will need flour, salt, cold water, and butter. First, mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Then, cut the butter into small pieces and mix it into the flour mixture with your hands until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Slowly add the cold water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Let it rest for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and cutting it into circles for the empanadas.
What are some popular fillings for empanadas?
There are many different fillings you can use for empanadas, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular options include ground beef, chicken, cheese, spinach and cheese, ham and cheese, and apple or peach filling for sweet empanadas. You can also get creative and come up with your own unique fillings!
How do you cook empanadas in the oven?
To cook empanadas in the oven, preheat your oven to around 200°C (400°F). Place the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with beaten egg or milk for a shiny finish. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.