What To Know
- These delectable pastries, filled with savory ground beef and bursting with a vibrant blend of spices, are a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Bahamas.
- To enhance the heat level, add more jalapeno pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- You can reheat the empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Caribbean with our comprehensive guide on how to make Bahama Breeze beef empanadas. These delectable pastries, filled with savory ground beef and bursting with a vibrant blend of spices, are a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Bahamas.
Gathering the Essential Ingredients
To embark on this culinary adventure, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 package (15 ounces) empanada dough
- 1 egg, beaten
Preparing the Savory Filling
1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using) to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Season with Spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in Cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Assembling the Empanadas
1. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough into a thin sheet.
2. Cut Out Circles: Using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.
3. Fill the Empanadas: Place a heaping spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
5. Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg.
Baking or Air Frying the Empanadas
1. Oven Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the empanadas on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Air Frying: Preheat an air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown, shaking the basket occasionally.
Serving and Enjoying
Serve the Bahama Breeze beef empanadas hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Garnish with additional cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Variations and Substitutions
- Ground Beef Substitutions: You can substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Additions: Add chopped carrots, celery, or corn to the filling for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: To enhance the heat level, add more jalapeno pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Sweet and Savory: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the filling for a sweet and tangy twist.
Tips for Success
- Use a sharp knife: When cutting the dough circles, use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts and prevent the dough from tearing.
- Seal the edges properly: Crimp the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking or air frying.
- Don’t overfill: Avoid overfilling the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal and may cause the dough to burst open.
- Cool before serving: Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your mouth.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking or air frying.
Q: How can I reheat the empanadas?
A: You can reheat the empanadas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Q: What are some other dipping sauce options for the empanadas?
A: Try serving the empanadas with mango salsa, pico de gallo, or a creamy garlic sauce.
