Essential Ingredients for Empanadas

Empanada Dough Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup of butter
• ¾ to 1 cup warm milk
• ½ tsp salt

Pro Tip: Perfect empanada dough is crucial; it should neither be too wet nor too dry. A wet dough will be sticky, while a dry one will not roll out properly.

Ground Beef Filling Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup white onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp oregano
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• ½ cup green olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Flaked salt for topping

Necessary Equipment

A reliable food processor will help streamline the dough mixing process, and an empanada press will assist with perfect assembly.

Mastering the Art of Empanada Making

Step 1: Preparing the Empanada Dough

Start by mixing the flour and salt in a food processor. Add the butter and egg yolk, pulsing the mixture until combined. Gradually introduce the warm milk until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Ensure that the dough isn’t too dry; if necessary, add more milk gradually.

Step 2: Kneading the Dough

After mixing, knead the dough briefly. Over-kneading can make rolling out the dough difficult. Divide the dough into two balls and place them in a covered bowl to rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Crafting the Filling

Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté the onions, and add the ground beef. As it cooks, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and oregano for a fragrant mix. Once browned, remove from heat and mix in fresh parsley, green olives, and the hard-boiled egg. Make sure to let the filling cool completely before assembly to prevent sogginess.

Step 4: Assembling the Empanadas

Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch and cut it into circles using a round cutter. Employ an empanada press or simply your hands, adding about a tablespoon of filling into the center of each circle. Brush the outer edge of the dough with egg wash, fold, and seal tightly to secure the filling inside.

Step 5: Baking the Empanadas

Preheat your oven or smoker to 400ºF (204ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking, place the empanadas on it, and brush the tops with egg wash for that golden finish. If you prefer extra flavor, sprinkle some flaked salt on top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they turn a delightful golden brown.

Serving Your Empanadas

Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. They pair exceptionally well with chimichurri sauce, allowing for a fresh burst of flavor that complements their richness. Pop over to Amazon or check out AliExpress for any specialty ingredients you may need. For additional tips and tricks, explore BIGZBBQ.