Argentina's culinary heritage is a rich tapestry woven with diverse flavors and traditions, and among its most iconic dishes are the delectable beef empanadas. These savory pastries, filled with seasoned ground beef and baked or fried to golden perfection, are beloved across the country and beyond.
The Story Behind Beef Empanadas have a long and storied history in Argentina, with roots tracing back to Spanish colonization. The name "empanada" has been derived from the Spanish word "empanar," which means to wrap or coat in bread. Over the centuries, empanadas have evolved to become a quintessential part of Argentinean cuisine, with each region boasting its own unique variations and fillings. Let's delve into the art of making beef empanadas, exploring the ingredients, quantities and the culinary journey they represent. Here is a recipe of Beef Empanadas for you.
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Ingredients of Beef empanadas:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup cold water
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ⅓ cup raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions of Making Beef empanadas:
- Take a large mixing bowl and combine the flour and salt in it.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Take another bowl and whisk together the egg, water and vinegar in it.
- Add the wet ingredients gradually to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Now spread some flour on a flat surface and turn the dough out onto the floured surface and knead gently until it becomes smooth.
- Refrigerate the dough wrapping in a plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil In a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic in hot olive oil and sauté until softened.
- Now add the ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped olives, hard-boiled eggs, and raisins (if using). Let the filling cool completely.
- First Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and also prepare a baking sheet lining with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness.
- Use a round cutter or a small plate to cut out circles of dough, approximately 5 inches in diameter.
- Place in the center of each dough circle a spoonful of the cooled beef filling .
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the assembled empanadas on the baking sheet which you prepared before.
- Beat an egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash, and brush it over the tops of the empanadas.
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown and crispy.
FAQ 1 : What are beef empanadas?
Beef empanadas are savory pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, typically enclosed in a flaky dough and baked or fried until golden brown. They are a popular dish in Argentinean cuisine and enjoyed worldwide.
FAQ 2 : What is the origin of beef empanadas?
Empanadas originated in Spain and were brought to Latin America during colonization. In Argentina, they became a staple of the culinary landscape, with various regional variations and fillings, including the classic beef filling.
FAQ 3 : What ingredients are used to make beef empanadas?
The main ingredients for beef empanadas include ground beef, onions, garlic, spices (such as cumin, paprika, and oregano), olives, hard-boiled eggs, and a dough made from flour, butter, egg, water, and vinegar.
FAQ 4 : How are beef empanadas typically served?
Beef empanadas can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even main courses. They are often enjoyed hot out of the oven, but they can also be served at room temperature. They pair well with chimichurri sauce or salsa criolla for dipping.
FAQ 5 : Can beef empanadas be made ahead of time?
Yes, beef empanadas can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer before baking or frying. Simply assemble the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm.
FAQ 6 : How do you reheat beef empanadas?
To reheat beef empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
FAQ 7 : Can empanadas be made with other types of meat?
Yes, while beef is the traditional filling for empanadas in Argentina, you can also use other types of meat such as chicken, pork, or lamb. You can even make vegetarian or vegan empanadas using ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
FAQ 8 : Are beef empanadas gluten-free?
Traditional beef empanadas are not gluten-free, as they are made with a dough containing wheat flour. However, you can make gluten-free empanadas by using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the dough.
FAQ 9 : What is the best way to store leftover beef empanadas?
Leftover beef empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply follow the instructions for reheating mentioned above.
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