The Perfect Empanadas Recipe: Crispy Pockets of Joy

Argentine empanadas spark culinary magic that will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires.

These savory pastry pockets burst with rich, hearty flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp, golden-brown edges reveal tender, spiced fillings that speak of generations of passionate cooking.

Meat-lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike find comfort in these delectable hand-held delights.

Each bite tells a story of tradition, blending Spanish and indigenous culinary influences into one irresistible package.

The aroma of baked dough and seasoned filling promises a delicious adventure waiting to unfold.

Prepare to savor an authentic taste of South American comfort food that will make every meal feel like a celebration.

FAQs

• What are empanadas originally from?

Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, and quickly spread throughout Latin America, becoming a popular street food and home-cooked dish in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Colombia.

• What type of flour works best for empanada dough?

All-purpose flour is ideal for making empanada dough, providing the right texture and structure for a crispy, flaky crust that holds the filling perfectly.

• Can I make empanadas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare empanadas in advance. Assemble them and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead meal option.

Empanadas That Bring Flavor in Every Bite

• Craft Minimal Ingredients: Requires only three simple components, making it perfect for beginner bakers and those who want a quick sweet treat without complicated shopping lists.
• Customize Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Offers rich milk chocolate flavor that can be personalized with different chocolate types or added toppings for variety and personal preference.
• Zero Baking Skills Needed: Involves simple mixing and melting techniques that don't require advanced culinary expertise, allowing anyone to create a delightful homemade candy without stress.
• Freeze and Serve Convenience: Utilizes freezing method for setting, which means minimal active cooking time and an easy preparation process that fits busy lifestyles.

Ingredients Behind Delicious Empanadas

• All-Purpose Flour: The base foundation for creating a light and flaky pastry shell.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.
• Cold Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender, crumbly texture.
• White Vinegar: Helps to tenderize the dough and prevent gluten development.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough together.
• Ice Water: Ensures a cool dough that creates a flaky pastry crust.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a aromatic and savory base for the filling.
• Potatoes, Carrots: Add hearty texture and nutritional value to the empanada filling.
• Green Peas, Raisins: Contribute sweetness and additional texture to the mixture.
• Soy Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Season and enhance the overall flavor of the filling.
• Cooking Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and creating a flavorful base.

• Egg, Milk: Create a golden and glossy egg wash for the empanada exterior.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying the empanadas as an alternative cooking method.

How to Make Empanadas Like a Pro

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

Create a flour base by mixing flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Crumble cold butter into the mixture using your fingertips until it looks like tiny pebbles.

In another bowl, whisk together vinegar, egg, and ice water. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour mix, kneading with your hands until a smooth dough forms.

Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Step 2: Build a Flavor-Packed Filling

Warm cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.

• Diced potatoes
• Chopped carrots

• Green peas
• Raisins
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Continue cooking until the vegetables become tender and the flavors meld together.

Let the filling cool completely.

Step 3: Shape the Dough Circles

Remove the chilled dough and divide it into golf ball-sized portions.

Flatten each ball using your palm, then roll them out to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a wide-mouth bowl to cut perfect 4-inch rounds, trimming excess dough with a knife or pizza cutter.

Step 4: Create Empanada Pockets

Spoon a generous helping of cooled filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over, creating a half-moon shape.

Seal the edges by pressing with a fork or twisting the edges together. Arrange the filled empanadas on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 5: Add the Golden Touch

Blend beaten egg and milk, then brush this mixture over the top and edges of each empanada to create a beautiful golden sheen.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Baking Method:

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.

Frying Method:

Heat oil in a deep pan.

Carefully lower the empanadas into the hot oil, frying until both sides reach a gorgeous golden color. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade empanadas!

Tips to Perfect Your Empanadas

• Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to ensure a flaky, tender crust that's easier to handle and shape.
• Seal empanada edges tightly using a fork or crimping technique to keep delicious filling inside during cooking.
• Swap or add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to create your own unique filling variation.
• Let filling cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy dough and ensure crisp, golden exterior.
• Choose between baking for a lighter option or deep-frying for a crispier, more traditional texture.

Variations to Change Up Empanada Flavors

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Replace meat with tofu, mushrooms, or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, using gluten-free baking blend to create a celiac-friendly pastry that's equally crispy and satisfying.
• Spicy Latin Fusion: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or cayenne to the filling for a hot and zesty kick that transforms the traditional empanada into a spicier experience.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute the vegetable filling with shredded crab, chopped shrimp, or flaked salmon mixed with herbs and a light cream cheese for an oceanic twist.

What to Serve with Empanadas for a Complete Meal

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Argentinian Malbec or Spanish Rioja to complement the savory, rich filling of the empanadas. The wine's deep fruit notes and slight spiciness perfectly balance the hearty vegetable mixture.
• Serve with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce: Create a bright, herbaceous green sauce using parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. This tangy condiment cuts through the empanadas' richness and adds a fresh, vibrant layer of flavor.
• Match with Crisp Citrus Salad: Prepare a light salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a lime vinaigrette. The citrusy, refreshing elements will contrast nicely with the warm, comforting empanadas and cleanse the palate between bites.

Proper Storage for Empanadas to Keep Fresh

• Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual empanadas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy exterior and keeps the filling warm and delicious.

Empanadas Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Argentine Empanadas blend traditional flavors with a crispy, golden crust that whispers stories of Buenos Aires. Hearty beef, aromatic spices, and flaky pastry create a handheld feast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 small potatoes, diced
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) green peas
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) raisins
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• Cooking oil

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Instructions

1. Create a flour-salt base in a mixing bowl, incorporating cold butter until it transforms into pea-sized crumbs. Work quickly to maintain butter’s coolness.
2. Whisk vinegar, egg, and ice water in a separate container. Gradually integrate this liquid mixture into the flour blend, kneading until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Shape the dough into a compact ball, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 60 minutes to enhance texture and flavor development.
4. Warm cooking oil in a skillet, sautéing onions and garlic until aromatic. Introduce diced potatoes and carrots, cooking for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Incorporate green peas, raisins, soy sauce, salt, and pepper into the vegetable mixture. Cook until vegetables reach tender consistency and ingredients meld harmoniously.
6. Remove chilled dough, dividing into golf ball-sized portions. Flatten each piece using palm and rolling pin, achieving a thin 1/8-inch thickness.
7. Utilize a wide-mouth bowl to cut precise 4-inch circular dough rounds, trimming excess with a knife or pizza cutter.
8. Deposit a generous spoonful of cooled filling onto the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold dough over, sealing edges by crimping with a fork or artfully twisting.
9. Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking tray. Brush surfaces with an egg-milk mixture to achieve a lustrous, golden exterior.
10. For baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake empanadas for 20-25 minutes until crust turns light golden brown.
11. For frying: Heat oil in a deep pan. Submerge empanadas, frying until both sides reach a rich, golden color. Drain excess oil before serving.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky, tender crust that separates into delicate layers when bitten.
• Try different fillings like shredded chicken, beef, or vegetarian options to keep the recipe versatile and exciting.
• Seal the edges completely to prevent filling from leaking during cooking, using a fork or pinching technique for a tight closure.
• Make ahead and freeze uncooked empanadas for quick, convenient meals later, storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg