Discover how to make mouthwatering empanadas with our easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you prefer them fried or baked, these golden pastries are stuffed with savory fillings of meat, cheese, or beans. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a hearty meal. Follow our step-by-step guide to create these delicious treats that are sure to impress!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

 - 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

 - 1 tsp salt

 - 1 tsp baking powder

 - ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

 - 1 egg

 - ¼ cup ice water (adjust as needed)

For the Filling:

 - 1 cup ground beef (or your choice of meat)

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

 - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

 - ½ cup cooked beans (black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas)

 - 1 tsp ground cumin

 - 1 tsp paprika

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.

  - Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  - Beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until a dough forms.

  - Knead the dough briefly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

  - Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.

  - Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix in the cheese and cooked beans. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Empanadas:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil for frying if preferred.

  - Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.

  - Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers to seal.

Cook the Empanadas:

  - For baking: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

  - For frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Serve:

  - Enjoy your empanadas warm as a delicious appetizer or main dish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or salsa.

Tips:

- Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or olives.

- For extra flavor, add herbs or spices to the filling.

Enjoy your homemade empanadas!

Nutritional Values

2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour

  - Calories: 364

  - Carbohydrates: 76g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

  - Provides a base for the dough.

  - Supplies carbohydrates for energy.

1 tsp Salt

  - Calories: 0

  - Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

  - Essential for various bodily functions.

1 tsp Baking Powder

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 100g (purely a leavening agent)

Benefits:

  - Helps the dough rise and become light and flaky.

½ cup Unsalted Butter, Cold and Cubed

  - Calories: 717

  - Fat: 81g

  - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and flakiness to the dough.

  - Provides essential fats.

1 Egg

  - Calories: 155

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 13g

  - Fat: 11g

Benefits:

  - Binds ingredients and adds structure.

  - Provides protein and vitamins.

¼ cup Ice Water (adjust as needed)

  - Calories: 0

  - No significant nutritional value.

Benefits:

  - Helps to bring the dough together and keep it cold.

1 cup Ground Beef (or your choice of meat)

  - Calories: 242

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 17g

Benefits:

  - Rich in protein and essential nutrients.

  - Provides B vitamins and minerals.

1 Small Onion, Finely Chopped

  - Calories: 40

  - Carbohydrates: 9g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and contains vitamins and antioxidants.

1 Bell Pepper, Finely Chopped

  - Calories: 20

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Provides vitamins A and C.

  - Adds sweetness and crunch.

1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Your Choice)

  - Calories: 402

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 25g

  - Fat: 33g

Benefits:

  - Adds creaminess and flavor.

  - Provides protein and calcium.

½ cup Cooked Beans (Black Beans, Kidney Beans, or Chickpeas)

  - Calories: 339

  - Carbohydrates: 63g

  - Protein: 21g

  - Fat: 0.9g

Benefits:

  - Adds protein and fiber.

  - Provides essential vitamins and minerals.

1 tsp Ground Cumin

  - Calories: 375

  - Carbohydrates: 44g

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 22g

Benefits:

  - Adds a warm, earthy flavor.

  - Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

1 tsp Paprika

  - Calories: 282

  - Carbohydrates: 54g

  - Protein: 14g

  - Fat: 13g

Benefits:

  - Adds color and flavor.

  - Contains vitamins A and E.

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Salt:

   - Calories: 0

   - Sodium: 38,000mg

Pepper:

   - Calories: 255

   - Carbohydrates: 64g

   - Protein: 10g

   - Fat: 3g

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

1 Egg (for Egg Wash)

  - Calories: 155

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 13g

  - Fat: 11g

Benefits:

  - Helps to give the empanadas a golden, glossy finish.