Elevate Your Home Cooking: Discover the Secrets of Argentinian Beef Empanadas

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Argentina with our comprehensive guide on how to make authentic beef empanadas. These savory pastries, filled with tender beef and a symphony of spices, are a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds to the heart of South America.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut the shortening into small pieces and add it to the flour mixture.
3. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the shortening into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef.
2. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and parsley. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the beef broth, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced.

Assembling the Empanadas:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch.
3. Cut out 4-inch circles from the dough.
4. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
6. Crimp the edges with a fork to secure.

Baking the Empanadas:

1. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Brush the empanadas with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water).
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving:

Serve the empanadas hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri or salsa roja.

Tips for the Perfect Empanadas:

• For a flaky crust, use very cold ingredients and work the dough as little as possible.
• If the dough is too wet, add more flour. If it is too dry, add more water.
• Allow the empanadas to rest for a few minutes before baking to prevent them from bursting.
• Bake the empanadas on a preheated baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
• If you don’t have time to make the dough from scratch, you can use store-bought puff pastry or pie crust.

Variations:

• Add other vegetables to the filling, such as corn, peas, or carrots.
• Use a different type of meat, such as chicken, pork, or lamb.
• Experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own unique empanada recipes.

The Origin of Empanadas

Empanadas, meaning “wrapped in bread,” have their roots in the Spanish and Portuguese cultures. They were originally brought to Argentina by Spanish conquistadors and have since become a beloved national dish. Argentinian empanadas are typically filled with beef, but other variations include chicken, cheese, and vegetables.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: What is the best type of beef to use for empanadas?
A: Ground chuck or sirloin is a good choice for empanadas because it is lean and flavorful.

Q: Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the empanadas overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them as directed.

Q: What is the difference between empanadas and empanadillas?
A: Empanadas are typically larger than empanadillas and are usually filled with savory ingredients. Empanadillas, on the other hand, are smaller and are often filled with sweet ingredients, such as fruit or chocolate.