Description
Rich Colombian Beef and Cheese Empanadas deliver a savory handheld experience that blends spiced ground beef with melted cheese in a crispy pastry shell. Satisfying palates with each bite, you’ll discover a delicious journey through Latin American culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ lb (225 g) ground beef
- ½ cup (50 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (30 g) green olives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- ¼ cup (60 ml) cold water
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Sauté Mixture: Create a flavor foundation by softening onions and garlic in a skillet, then introduce ground beef. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, thoroughly crumbling the meat during cooking.
- Develop Filling: Fold green olives and raisins into the seasoned beef, then integrate cheese to form a harmonious, textured mixture. Allow the filling to cool and meld flavors.
- Prepare Dough: Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl, then cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse sand. Gradually introduce cold water, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
- Chill and Prepare: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to enhance its consistency. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.
- Shape and Fill: Cut circular dough pieces using a round cutter. Place a spoonful of beef and cheese filling in the center of each circle, then fold into a half-moon shape. Seal edges by crimping with a fork.
- Bake and Finish: Arrange empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg to create a golden, glossy exterior. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry becomes crisp and rich golden brown.
- Serve: Let empanadas cool briefly. Plate with complementary condiments like salsa, guacamole, or a zesty dipping sauce to elevate the culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Seasoning: Balance cumin and paprika carefully to prevent overpowering the delicate beef flavor, ensuring each bite offers a harmonious taste experience.
- Prevent Dough Toughness: Handle pastry dough minimally to maintain flakiness; overworking can develop gluten and create dense, chewy empanadas.
- Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess beef liquid after cooking to avoid soggy pastry, which can compromise the crisp exterior and structural integrity.
- Smart Filling Temperature: Cool beef mixture completely before adding cheese to prevent melting and maintain distinct ingredient textures during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg