Empanadas de Res
Dough:
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening
1-1/4 cup water, or as needed
Filling:
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
2 Tbsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup raisins
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 large hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
Frying:
1 qt. oil for frying, or as needed
Detailed Steps:
Make the dough: Stir flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Use a fork to stir in water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the mixture comes together. Pat into a ball and flatten slightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Make the filling while dough is chilling: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add beef, paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.
Drain excess grease, then stir in the raisins and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
Remove dough and filling from the refrigerator. Form dough into twenty-four 2-inch balls. Stir hard-cooked eggs into filling.
Heat oil in a deep fryer to 365 degrees F.
While the oil is heating, roll one ball dough on a floured surface into a thin circle. Spoon some filling onto the center, fold dough into a half-moon shape, and press the edges with your fingers to seal. Repeat to fill and form remaining empanadas.
Working in batches, fry 1 to 2 empanadas at a time in hot oil until browned, about 2- 1/2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 50 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Additional Time: 1 hr Total Time: 3 hrs
Empanadas de Res are a delightful treat originating from Latin America, beloved for their crispy exterior and hearty filling. These pastry pockets can be made with various types of fillings, but ground beef, as featured in this recipe, is one of the most traditional choices. While the preparation may take some time, with about 3 hours in total, the process is straightforward. The dough, made from all-purpose flour, salt, shortening, and water, creates a tender and flaky shell. After chilling, it’s rolled out and filled with a mixture that echoes the flavors of classic Latin cuisine. The filling includes sautéed onions, spices like paprika and cumin, raisins for a touch of sweetness, and hard-cooked eggs for added texture. This combination delivers a well-rounded taste that will surprise and please your palate. Once assembled, the empanadas are fried in hot oil until they achieve a golden brown color, giving them that crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the savory filling. You can serve them hot right out of the fryer, or allow them to cool and enjoy them later as a snack or part of a meal. To elevate your empanada experience, consider serving them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as chimichurri or a spicy salsa. These sauces not only enhance the flavors of the empanadas but also add a fun element to the dining experience. Empanadas de Res are perfect for parties and gatherings, bringing friends and family together around a shared love of good food. Whether as an appetizer, a main course, or even a snack, these little pockets of flavor will impress your guests and satisfy hungry bellies.