Argentine empanadas are a delicious type of pastry filled with meat and other ingredients, wrapped in dough. They are baked or fried until the dough is golden and crispy, creating an irresistible bite. They are perfect to enjoy on any occasion and are an emblematic dish of Argentine gastronomy. It should be noted that in cities like Mendoza, empanadas are fried to obtain a crispier texture.
Argentine empanadas
Argentine empanadas are a classic and delicious dish that consists of small portions of dough filled with meat and other ingredients, fried or baked. Below I'll give you an overview of how to do them:
12
Portions45
minute40
minute300
kcalIngredients:
- For the mass:
500 grams of Wheat flour
100 grams of Butter or margarine
1 teaspoon of salt
150 milligrams of cold water
1 unit of egg
500 grams of Minced meat (preferably beef)
1 unit of Chopped onion
1 unit of chopped red pepper
2 glove of chopped garlic
1 teaspoon of cumin powder
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1 pinch of Salt and pepper to taste
1 splash of Vegetable oil (for cooking)
- For assembly and baking
Beaten egg (to paint the empanadas before baking)
- optional
Green olives or black olives (pitted and sliced)
Raisins
Hard-boiled eggs (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- To prepare the dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
- Add the butter or margarine and mix until you obtain a sandy texture.
- Add the egg and mix well.
- Add the cold water little by little and knead until you obtain a soft and elastic dough.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preparation of the filling
- In a large skillet, heat some vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until golden.
- Add the chopped pepper and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the minced meat and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Add the cumin, sweet paprika, salt and pepper to taste. Mix all ingredients well.
- If you wish, you can add olives, raisins and hard-boiled eggs in small pieces. Mix everything again.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool.
- Assembling and baking the empanadas
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into small portions.
- Roll out each portion of dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of approximately 3-4 mm.
- Cut circles from the dough with a diameter of approximately 15-20 cm.
- Place a portion of filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough in half, forming a half moon, and press the edges with your fingers to seal the empanadas.
- If you wish, you can repulgue the edges to give them a decorative finish.
- Place the empanadas on a previously greased baking tray or lined with baking paper.
- Brush the empanadas with beaten egg so that they acquire a golden color during cooking.
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- Make sure the dough is well rested before using it. This will help make it easier to handle and prevent it from shrinking during cooking.
- If you want to save time, you can use pre-made empanada dough discs that you can find in specialized stores.
- To achieve a softer and more tender dough, you can replace some of the water with milk.
- If you don't have butter or margarine, you can use cold butter as a substitute. Make sure it is very cold before adding it to the dough.
- You can vary the filling according to your preferences. In addition to minced meat, you can add other ingredients such as ham, cheese, spinach or other vegetables.
- Do not overload the filling in each empanada to prevent them from opening during cooking. A moderate filling will allow the dough to close and seal properly.
- If you want a shiny, golden finish on your empanadas, you can add a pinch of sugar to the beaten egg before painting them.
- If you have leftover dough or filling, you can freeze them separately to use another time.
Argentine Empanadas and the health benefits:
Argentine empanadas can be a delicious option, but it is important to note that their nutritional value and health benefits may vary depending on the ingredients used and preparation methods. Next, I will mention some possible benefits associated with common ingredients in Argentine empanadas:
- Proteins: The meat used in Argentine empanadas is a source of protein that helps in the repair and construction of tissues in the body.
- Vitamins and minerals: Depending on the ingredients used in the filling, such as vegetables and spices, empanadas can provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and antioxidants.
- Dietary fiber: If vegetables are included in the filling, empanadas can be a source of dietary fiber, which can contribute to digestive health and maintain satiety.
- Energy: The combination of carbohydrates from the dough and proteins from the filling can provide the energy needed for daily functioning.
It is important to keep in mind that excessive consumption of empanadas, especially those that are fried or with ingredients high in saturated fats, can have a negative impact on health, such as weight gain and high cholesterol. As with any meal, moderation and balance are recommended, as well as choosing healthier options, such as baked empanadas and using low-fat ingredients.
Remember that it is always advisable to consult a health professional or nutritionist to obtain personalized recommendations on a balanced diet suitable for your health and individual needs.
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Image credit: freepik
