Empanadas (Beef Turnovers)
Ingredients:
For the stuffing:
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tomato, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 tablespoon lime juice
For the dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 unsalted butter cups, cool and dice
1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon salt
Empanadas (Beef Turnovers)
Directions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced meat and fry until browned. Proceed by breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and chopped garlic to the pan with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or until mixture is well combined and excess liquid evaporates.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped coriander or parsley and lime juice. Let the filling cool while you prepare the dough.
- Combine all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture and stir with a fork until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth.
- Divide the dough into small balls about the size of golf balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle about 3mm thick.
- Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a crescent shape and press the edges with a fork to seal.
- Repeat process with remaining dough and filling.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the finished empanadas on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve empanadas hot and enjoy the delicious combination of hearty beef filling and puff pastry.