,

The Real Empanadas

Empanadas are a delicious comfort food made of pastry and filling. Preparation is not easy and takes some time, but if you are looking for some fun with your family or friends on your weekend afternoons, this is a great idea!

Ingredients (for 2)

  • 1 cup ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tbsp corn flour
  • 6 tbsp wheat flour
  • 2 tbsp margarine
  • 1/2 can tomato sauce
  • 1 large potato
  • 2 poblano peppers
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 stalk celery
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp vegetable water
  • 1/3 cup water
  • salt & black pepper

Directions

  • In a large bowl, combine wheat flour, corn flour and salt
  • Add a vegetable shortening like margarine and work with your hands for a few seconds
  • Add beaten egg yolk and water, and knead until dough is soft, about 4-5 minutes
  • Flour a surface and knead a little more until firm and smooth (add some more flour if necessary)
  • Cover and set aside to rest 30 minutes
  • In the meantime, prepare the filling: take a skillet, add vegetable oil and place over medium heat
  • Add minced garlic, diced onions and diced celery; sauté for 4-5 minutes or until translucent
  • Stir in the ground beef, increase heat and stir-fry until browned (about 7-8 minutes)
  • Add thinly diced potatoes, paprika, oregano, salt and black pepper, stir and cook for 2-3 minutes more
  • Add wine vinegar, sliced chilies and tomato sauce
  • Cover with a lid and cook for 15 minutes more (if the sauce gets too thick, add a little water)
  • When the filling is ready, reserve in the fridge to chill
  • In the meantime, preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper
  • Place the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out very thin (the final result should be no thicker than 1/8 inch)
  • Cut 5 or 6 inch circles from the dough and reserve aside on a surface (you can use a large glass)
  • Spoon some filling in the center of each circle, moisten the edges with some water and fold into a semicircle
  • Pinch the edges and place on the baking sheet
  • Pinch with a fork in the middle and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden
  • Let cool before serving!

Tips from the Chef

  • For the dough you can use margarine, lard, or butter
  • You can brush the empanadas with beaten egg yolk, before baking, for a perfect result!