Empanadas are a type of pastry that originated in Spain and Portugal, and have become a beloved traditional food in many Latin American countries, including Argentina. Empanadas are made by folding a thin, round dough shell around a filling of meat, vegetables, cheese, or a combination of these ingredients. The filling is then sealed inside the dough and baked or fried until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.There are many variations of empanadas, depending on the region and the cook's preference. In Argentina, empanadas are typically filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and potatoes, but they can also be made with chicken, ham, cheese, or vegetables. Some recipes also include raisins, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for added flavor and texture.Empanadas are not only delicious but also hold a special place in Argentine culture. They are often associated with celebrations and gatherings, such as parties, picnics, and family gatherings. Empanadas are also a popular street food and can be found at local markets, food trucks, and restaurants throughout Argentina.Empanadas can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or appetizer, or they can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as chimichurri sauce, salsa, or a fresh salad. They can also be paired with a glass of Argentine wine, such as a Malbec or Torrontés, for a perfect meal.Overall, Argentine empanadas are a beloved traditional food that are not only delicious but also hold cultural significance. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or picked up from a local street vendor, empanadas are a must-try for anyone visiting Argentina or looking to experience a taste of Argentine culture.

Here is a step-by-step method for making traditional Argentine empanadas:

Ingredients:

1- 2 cups all-purpose flour

2- 1/2 tsp salt

3- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced

4- 1/2 cup water

5- 1 lb ground beef

6- 1 onion, chopped

7- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced

8- 1/4 cup raisins

9- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped

10- 1 tsp cumin

11- 1 tsp paprika

12- 1/2 tsp oregano

13- Salt and pepper, to taste

14- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

15- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Method:

1- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.

2- Add the water and mix until the dough comes together in a ball. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

4- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.

5- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and potatoes until the onion is translucent and the potatoes are tender.

6- Add the cooked beef back to the skillet and stir in the raisins, olives, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well combined.

7- Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.

8- Spoon a tablespoon of the filling onto each dough circle, leaving a little space around the edge. If using hard-boiled eggs, add a small piece to each empanada.

9- Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanada.

10- Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg and bake on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Note:

Empanadas can also be fried instead of baked. To fry, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the empanadas for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 369
• Total fat: 19.7g
• Saturated fat: 9.3g
• Cholesterol: 113mg
• Sodium: 383mg
• Total carbohydrates: 31.7g
• Dietary fiber: 2.6g
• Sugars: 1.8g
• Protein: 16.9g

Empanadas are a tasty and satisfying snack or meal that can be enjoyed hot or cold. They are a good source of protein and carbohydrates, but they are also relatively high in fat and calories, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

please note that the nutrition facts may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for the ingredients you listed:

2 cups all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 908
• Carbohydrates: 190g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein.
• Contains B vitamins, such as folate and thiamine.

1/2 tsp salt:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.
• Provides sodium, which is important for muscle function and hydration.

1/3 cup unsalted butter:

• Calories: 718
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 81g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains saturated fats and cholesterol, so should be consumed in moderation.
• Provides some vitamin A.

1/2 cup water:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Essential for hydration and various bodily functions.

1 lb ground beef:

• Calories: 935
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 77g
• Fat: 67g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Choose lean cuts for lower fat content.

1 onion, chopped:

• Calories: 44
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and compounds that may reduce inflammation.
• Provides fiber and vitamin C.

2 potatoes, peeled and diced:

• Calories: 322
• Carbohydrates: 74g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 9g

benefits:

• Good source of potassium and vitamin C.
• Provide carbohydrates for energy.

1/4 cup raisins:

• Calories: 108
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Provide fiber and antioxidants.
• Contain small amounts of iron and potassium.

1/4 cup green olives, chopped:

• Calories: 37
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Contains vitamin E and iron.

1 tsp cumin:

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Can aid digestion and improve cholesterol levels.

1 tsp paprika:

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and vitamins A and E.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects.

1/2 tsp oregano:

• Calories: 2
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties.
• Can aid digestion and may reduce inflammation.

Salt and pepper, to taste:

• Negligible calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber.

benefits:

• Used in moderation, can enhance flavor without adding calories or unhealthy fats.

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional):

• Calories: 156
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of protein and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and choline.

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash):

• Calories: 72
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Provides protein and healthy fats.
• Helps to create a golden brown crust on the pastry.

Please note that these nutrition facts are approximations and can vary based on factors such as the cooking method, portion sizes, and specific brands of ingredients used.