Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our empanadas, featuring a golden pastry shell filled with your choice of succulent beef, tender chicken, creamy cheese, or fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, these savory pockets are sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  - 2 cups all-purpose flour

  - ½ teaspoon salt

⅔ cup cold unsalted butter, diced

1 large egg

3-4 tablespoons cold water

Instructions:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2-Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

3-In a small bowl, beat the egg with 3 tablespoons of cold water.

4-Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the beaten egg mixture.

5-Use a fork to gradually incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add the remaining tablespoon of water as needed.

6-Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together into a smooth ball.

7-Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.

Empanada Filling:

Ingredients:

For Beef Filling:

  - 1 tablespoon olive oil

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 2 garlic cloves, minced

  - ½ pound ground beef

  - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  - Salt and pepper to taste

For Chicken Filling:

  - 1 tablespoon olive oil

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 2 garlic cloves, minced

  - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken

  - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  - Salt and pepper to taste

For Cheese Filling:

  - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

For Vegetable Filling:

  - 1 tablespoon olive oil

  - 1 small onion, finely chopped

  - 1 bell pepper, diced

  - 1 cup diced tomatoes

  - 1 cup cooked mixed vegetables (such as corn, peas, carrots)

  - Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1-Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened.

2-For beef filling: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool.

3-For chicken filling: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4-For vegetable filling: Add bell pepper and diced tomatoes to the skillet with onions and garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender. Stir in the cooked mixed vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Once the filling is cooled, assemble the empanadas:

1-Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ inch thickness.

2-Use a round cutter or a small plate to cut out circles of dough.

3-Place a spoonful of filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.

4-Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.

5-Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6-Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg for a shiny finish, if desired.

7-Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crisp.

8-Serve warm and enjoy your homemade empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce or salsa.

Nutritional Values :

Empanada Dough (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

  - Calories: 220 kcal

  - Total Fat: 15g

  - Saturated Fat: 9g

  - Cholesterol: 65mg

  - Sodium: 220mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 17g

  - Dietary Fiber: 1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 4g

benefits:

  - Provides carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy.

  - Contains small amounts of protein and fiber, which contribute to satiety and digestive health.

  - Fortified flour may also provide additional nutrients like iron and B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism and overall health.

Beef Filling (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

  - Calories: 100 kcal

  - Total Fat: 6g

  - Saturated Fat: 2g

  - Cholesterol: 25mg

  - Sodium: 50mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 10g

benefits:

  - Excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

  - Contains important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which support overall health and energy production.

  - Iron is particularly important for maintaining healthy blood cells and preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Chicken Filling (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

  - Calories: 70 kcal

  - Total Fat: 3g

  - Saturated Fat: 0.5g

  - Cholesterol: 30mg

  - Sodium: 60mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 10g

benefits:

  - Lean source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues, support immune function, and maintain muscle mass.

  - Low in saturated fat compared to red meat, making it a heart-healthy protein option.

  - Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6), phosphorus, and selenium, which contribute to various bodily functions including metabolism, bone health, and thyroid function.

Cheese Filling (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

  - Calories: 80 kcal

  - Total Fat: 6g

  - Saturated Fat: 4g

  - Cholesterol: 20mg

  - Sodium: 180mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Dietary Fiber: 0g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 6g

benefits:

  - Good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

  - Contains protein and healthy fats, which help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

  - Provides important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, and phosphorus, which support overall health and well-being.

Vegetable Filling (per serving, assuming 8 servings):

  - Calories: 30 kcal

  - Total Fat: 2g

  - Saturated Fat: 0.5g

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Sodium: 10mg

  - Total Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Dietary Fiber: 1g

  - Sugars: 1g

  - Protein: 1g

benefits:

  - High in fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting feelings of fullness.

  - Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and folate, which play various roles in supporting immune function, vision, electrolyte balance, and cell division.

  - Packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. It's always a good idea to check the nutritional labels on the products you use for the most accurate information.