Ground Meat Empanadas Recipe: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Dish
Guide or Summary：Ingredients:Homemade Empanada Dough:Instructions:Preparing the Ground Meat Filling:Making the Dough:Assembling the Empanadas:Cooking the Em……
Guide or Summary：
- Ingredients:
- Homemade Empanada Dough:
- Instructions:
- Preparing the Ground Meat Filling:
- Making the Dough:
- Assembling the Empanadas:
- Cooking the Empanadas:
- Serving Suggestions:
Empanadas are a beloved South American pastry known for their savory fillings, crispy crusts, and irresistible flavors. When it comes to filling options, ground meat empanadas are a favorite among many. These savory treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply enjoy a warm, comforting meal at home. In this article, we'll take you through the process of making ground meat empanadas from scratch, ensuring that you're able to create these delectable treats with ease.
Ingredients:
To make the perfect ground meat empanadas, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef or chicken
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 package of store-bought empanada dough or homemade dough (recipe below)
Homemade Empanada Dough:
For the dough, you'll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Ground Meat Filling:
1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until it's browned and cooked through. If you're using bell peppers, add them to the skillet at this stage and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.
Making the Dough:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Empanadas:
1. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball out on a lightly floured surface to form a circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the ground meat filling onto the center of each dough circle.
3. To seal the empanadas, fold one half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to form a seal. You can also pinch or crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, until all the empanadas are assembled.
Cooking the Empanadas:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your ground meat empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri or ketchup. They make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or even a light meal on their own.
In conclusion, making ground meat empanadas from scratch is a rewarding and enjoyable process that yields delicious results. With this recipe, you'll be able to create savory, flaky empanadas that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great starting point for exploring the world of South American cuisine. So why not give it a try and see how easy and delicious homemade ground meat empanadas can be?