What To Know
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/16 inch.
- To reheat, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes.
- Can I use a different type of meat in the filling.
Mastering the art of creating delectable Spanish beef empanadas is a culinary expedition that promises a symphony of flavors. This comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets of this beloved dish, empowering you to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones.
Ingredients: Gathering the Essential Elements
To craft authentic Spanish beef empanadas, you will require the following ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the butter and use your fingertips to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cooking the Filling:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the filling is thickened.
3. Assembling the Empanadas:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/16 inch.
- Cut out circles of dough using a 4-inch biscuit cutter.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Baking the Empanadas:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Variations: Exploring Culinary Diversity
- Vegetable Empanadas: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of chopped vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, and corn.
- Cheese Empanadas: Add shredded cheese to the beef filling or use it as a standalone filling.
- Spicy Empanadas: Increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños to the filling for a fiery kick.
- Sweet Empanadas: Fill the dough with fruit, such as apples, peaches, or berries, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a delectable dessert.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Perfection
- Salsa: Serve the empanadas with your favorite salsa for a zesty dipping sauce.
- Guacamole: Pair the empanadas with homemade guacamole for a creamy and flavorful accompaniment.
- Sour Cream: Offer sour cream as a cooling and refreshing topping.
- Salad: Serve the empanadas alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Preserving and Storing: Capturing the Goodness
- Freezing Unbaked Empanadas: Freeze unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and bake the empanadas from frozen for 25-30 minutes.
- Storing Baked Empanadas: Store baked empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, or chicken in place of the ground beef.
2. How can I make the empanadas gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
3. How do I know if the empanadas are done baking?
The empanadas are done baking when they are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
4. Can I fry the empanadas instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry the empanadas in hot oil until they are golden brown.
5. How do I prevent the empanadas from bursting during baking?
Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly and prick the tops with a fork before baking.
6. What is the best way to reheat empanadas?
Reheat the empanadas in a preheated oven or toaster oven until they are warmed through.
7. Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the empanadas ahead of time and freeze them unbaked. Then, bake them from frozen when you are ready to serve.
8. What are some other fillings I can use for empanadas?
You can use a variety of fillings for empanadas, such as cheese, vegetables, seafood, or fruit.
9. How can I make the empanadas more flavorful?
Add herbs and spices to the filling, such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika.
10. What is the best way to serve empanadas?
Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
