Spanish Beef Empanadas: How To Make The Perfect Filling And Dough

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Spain with our comprehensive guide on how to make mouthwatering Spanish beef empanadas. These delectable pastries, filled with savory minced beef and flavorful spices, are a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, follow these step-by-step instructions and discover the art of crafting these irresistible treats.

Ingredients: Gathering the Essentials

• For the dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup ice water
• For the filling:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• For the egg wash:
• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions: Shaping Perfection

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter pieces and use your fingers to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain the excess fat. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the cilantro, parsley, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the filling is thick and flavorful.
3. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
4. Fill and Fold the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges.
5. Bake the Empanadas: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips for Success: Elevating Your Empanadas

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your empanadas. Use fresh, flavorful vegetables and meat.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough will make it tough. Work it just enough to bring it together.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out will make it easier to work with.
• Seal the edges well: Make sure the edges of your empanadas are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Bake until golden brown: The empanadas are done baking when they are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Variations: Exploring Different Flavors

• Beef and Cheese Empanadas: Add shredded cheese to the filling for a cheesy twist.
• Chicken Empanadas: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Vegetable Empanadas: Use a mixture of chopped vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and carrots, for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Empanadas: Add extra chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Sweet Empanadas: Fill the empanadas with a sweet filling, such as apple pie filling or chocolate chips.

Nutrition: Fueling Your Body

Spanish beef empanadas are a satisfying and nutritious snack or meal. They provide a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. However, they are also relatively high in calories and fat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation.

The Perfect Pairing: Accompanying Your Empanadas

Empanadas are versatile and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces and side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, chimichurri sauce
• Side Dishes: Rice, beans, salad, grilled vegetables

Preserving Perfection: Storing Your Empanadas

Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the empanadas in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions: Unlocking Culinary Mysteries

Q: What is the best way to seal the edges of empanadas?
A: Use a fork to crimp the edges together. This will create a tight seal and prevent the filling from leaking out.

Q: Can I use pre-made dough for the empanadas?
A: Yes, you can use pre-made dough for convenience. However, homemade dough will give you a more authentic and flavorful result.

Q: How do I know when the empanadas are done baking?
A: The empanadas are done baking when they are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of an empanada. If the toothpick comes out clean, the empanadas are done.

Q: Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make empanadas ahead of time. Assemble the empanadas and then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw the empanadas in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Q: What is the best dipping sauce for empanadas?
A: Empanadas can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or chimichurri sauce. Choose your favorite sauce or try a different one each time you enjoy empanadas.