Colombian empanadas are a popular dish in Colombian cuisine. They consist of a fried dough filled with a mixture of meat, potatoes, onion and spices, and are often served with a spicy chili sauce. They're crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside, and are a delicious option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Colombian empanadas:

• 2 cups of pre-cooked corn flour
• 2 cups of hot water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup ground beef or pork
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon of annatto or color
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions to prepare Colombian empanadas:

1. In a large bowl, mix the cornflour with the hot water and salt until you have a soft dough. Add the oil and knead for 5 more minutes.
2. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until well browned. Add the onion, garlic and pepper, and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Add the cilantro, cumin and achiote, and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Preheat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Take a small amount of dough and form it into a ball the size of a golf ball. Flatten the ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Add a tablespoon of the meat mixture to the center of the dough circle.
8. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges with your fingers or a fork.
9. Fry the empanadas in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
10. Drain the empanadas on a paper towel to remove excess oil and serve hot with a hot or sweet and sour sauce on the side.

Enjoy!

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Image credits: freepik