When you think of quick and easy snacks, empanadas should come to mind. These delightful pockets of joy can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them versatile for any meal or occasion. Today, we're diving into a fast empanada recipe that will have you serving delicious treats in no time.
Ingredients for Fast Empanadas
Before we get into the specifics of how to whip up these tasty treats, let’s gather our ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening or lard
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 pound of ground beef or pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 beaten egg for egg wash
Making the Dough
Preparing the dough is crucial for the perfect empanada. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Knead gently on a floured surface for about 2 minutes.
- Let it rest: Cover with a damp cloth and let the dough rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Crafting the Filling
Now, onto the filling which will give your empanadas their delicious character:
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or pork until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Stir in onions and garlic, cooking until onions are translucent.
- Season: Add tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Adjust consistency: If the mixture is too moist, simmer until most of the liquid evaporates.
Assembling the Empanadas
With your dough rested and filling ready, it’s time to assemble:
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles.
- Fill the empanadas: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause sealing issues.
- Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork or fold decoratively.
- Egg wash: Brush each empanada with beaten egg for a golden finish.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Roll out the dough |
| 2 | Cut circles |
| 3 | Fill |
| 4 | Fold and seal |
| 5 | Egg wash |
💡 Note: If you find sealing challenging, consider using a bit of water on the edges to make the dough stick better before crimping.
Baking the Empanadas
Now, let’s bake these beauties to get that perfect, crisp crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring space between each for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them.
- Cool: Allow them to cool slightly before serving; they will be very hot.
🌡️ Note: If you prefer frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry empanadas until golden. However, baking reduces oil content and gives a lighter result.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how you can serve these fast empanadas to wow your guests:
- As a Snack: Serve empanadas with a side of salsa or guacamole for dipping.
- For Dinner: Pair with a salad or a simple side dish like rice or beans to make it a complete meal.
- For Parties: Use mini empanadas for bite-sized treats, perfect for mingling.
In essence, this fast empanada recipe provides you with a straightforward way to create delightful and satisfying snacks or meals with minimal effort. Whether you choose to fill them with traditional beef or experiment with vegetarian options like cheese and spinach, the possibilities are endless. Empanadas are not just quick to make; they're also a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary requirement, making them a perfect addition to any culinary repertoire. Enjoy these little pockets of deliciousness, and don't hesitate to get creative with the fillings or even explore different cooking methods like frying or air frying for a different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make empanada dough in advance?
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Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature for easier handling.
What other fillings can I use for empanadas?
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Empanadas are highly customizable. You can try fillings like chicken with olives, chorizo with peppers, black beans and cheese, or even sweet fillings like guava paste and cream cheese.
Are empanadas suitable for freezing?
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Yes, empanadas freeze very well. Freeze them unbaked, then bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to have a quick meal or snack on hand.
