What To Know
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with friends and family, or simply craving a delicious snack, empanadas beef and cheese are the perfect choice.
Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the delectable world of empanadas beef and cheese. These golden-brown parcels of pure delight are a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the secrets behind creating these culinary masterpieces, providing you with a step-by-step roadmap to success. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your kitchen, and let’s embark on this mouthwatering journey together.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
To craft these savory empanadas, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, cold
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Empanada Perfection
1. Preparing the Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Use your fingers to work the butter and shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water and vinegar and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Making the Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and cilantro.
3. Assembling the Empanadas:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour a work surface.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Roll out each piece of dough into a 6-inch (15 cm) circle.
- Place about 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Baking the Empanadas:
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the empanadas with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serving:
- Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Tips for Empanada Success:
- For a flaky crust, make sure to use cold butter and shortening.
- Don’t overwork the dough, as this will make it tough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more ice water.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Make sure the filling is completely cool before assembling the empanadas.
- Crimp the edges of the empanadas well to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking to give them a golden brown color.
- Serve the empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations on the Classic:
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
- Add chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, or zucchini, to the filling.
- Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Parmesan, or feta, in the filling.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces, such as salsa verde, chimichurri, or tzatziki.
Empanadas Beef and Cheese: A Culinary Delight for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a party, gathering with friends and family, or simply craving a delicious snack, empanadas beef and cheese are the perfect choice. These versatile treats can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. Their portability also makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, and lunch boxes. So, next time you’re looking for a culinary adventure, give empanadas beef and cheese a try. You won’t be disappointed!
A Culinary Journey Concludes:
As we reach the end of our empanada-making journey, we hope you feel inspired to create these delectable treats in your own kitchen. Remember, cooking is an art form that allows you to express your creativity and bring joy to others. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your perfect empanada recipe. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with those you love. Happy cooking!
What People Want to Know
Q: Can I make the empanada dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze the empanadas?
A: Yes, you can freeze the empanadas before or after baking. To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. To freeze baked empanadas, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I reheat the empanadas?
A: To reheat unbaked empanadas, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. To reheat baked empanadas, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
