Secret Ingredients Revealed: How to Bake Beef Empanadas That Will Dazzle Your Taste Buds

Empanadas, the savory pastries filled with a delectable blend of flavors, hold a special place in many cuisines worldwide. Among these culinary delights, beef empanadas stand out with their rich, aromatic filling and crispy, golden crust. This comprehensive guide will lead you through every step of baking perfect beef empanadas, ensuring you master this culinary art.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the beef filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For egg wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Add the butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Beef Filling:

• Heat a skillet over medium heat.
• Brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces.
• Add the onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is softened and the beef is cooked through.
• Stir in the beef broth and parsley. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
• Cut out 4-inch circles from the dough.
• Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.
• Use a fork to crimp the edges.

4. Brush with Egg Wash:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
• Brush the empanadas with the egg wash.

5. Bake:

• Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Success:

• For a flakier crust, freeze the butter before cutting it into the flour.
• Do not overwork the dough, as this will make the crust tough.
• Roll out the dough evenly to ensure consistent baking.
• Seal the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Brush the egg wash generously to create a shiny, golden crust.

Serving Suggestions:

Beef empanadas can be served as an appetizer, main course, or snack. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Embellishing Your Empanadas:

• Add chopped olives, raisins, or hard-boiled eggs to the beef filling for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the empanadas before baking for a cheesy crust.
• Brush the empanadas with melted butter after baking for a richer flavor.

The Art of Empanada Baking: A Culinary Journey

Baking beef empanadas is a culinary adventure that combines the art of pastry making with the flavors of a hearty filling. By following these steps and practicing patience, you can create golden, crispy empanadas that will delight your taste buds. So, embark on this culinary journey and savor the delectable rewards of homemade beef empanadas.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
A: Yes, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of beef.

Q: How can I store leftover empanadas?
A: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze unbaked empanadas?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked empanadas for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking.