uncover the delightful universe of empanadas, versatile pastries filled with savory delights.Whether you desire the robust flavors of meat, the creamy richness of cheese, or the wholesome goodness of vegetables, our empanadas cater to all tastes. Discover our tempting variety and enhance your snacking enjoyment now!

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground meat (beef, chicken, or turkey)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• ½ cup cooked and diced vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, etc.)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the dough:

1-In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2-Add the cold butter cubes and using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3-In a separate small bowl, beat the egg, then add the cold water and vinegar. Mix well.

4-Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork until the dough starts to come together.

5-Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

1-Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.

2-Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

3-Season the meat with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika. Stir in the diced bell peppers (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4-Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. Stir in the shredded cheese and diced vegetables.

Assemble the empanadas:

1-Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2-On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter.

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

4-Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges together and seal the empanadas.

5-Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.

Bake the empanadas:

1-Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.

2-Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

3-Enjoy your homemade empanadas filled with your choice of meat, cheese, or vegetables! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own.

Nutritional Values :

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits :

• Good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Can be enriched with vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins.

Unsalted butter (½ cup):

• Calories: 814
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 92g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits :

• Rich in saturated fats, which provide energy and aid in nutrient absorption.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
• Provides flavor and contributes to the flakiness of the dough.

Egg (1 large):

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

benefits :

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in vitamins such as vitamin D, B6, B12, and minerals like selenium and choline.
• Contains healthy fats and antioxidants, beneficial for heart health.

Water (⅓ cup):

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

benefits :

• Essential for hydration and proper bodily functions.
• Helps regulate body temperature and maintain fluid balance.
• Necessary for digestion and nutrient absorption.

White vinegar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.1g

benefits :

• May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Contains acetic acid, which may aid in digestion and promote gut health.
• May have antimicrobial properties and help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Olive oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 119
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits :

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may lower the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• May help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of stroke.

Onion (1 medium):

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

benefits :

• Good source of antioxidants like quercetin and sulfur compounds, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that promote gut health and support beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
• May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits :

• Contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Has anti-inflammatory effects and may boost the immune system.

Ground meat (1 pound, assuming 80% lean ground beef):

• Calories: 1133
• Protein: 80g
• Fat: 88g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits :

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.
• Provides satiety and helps control appetite.

Bell peppers (½ cup, diced):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits :

• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, which promote eye health.
• Low in calories and high in fiber, promoting digestive health and weight management.

Shredded cheese (½ cup, cheddar):

• Calories: 229
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits :

• Good source of calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone health.
• Contains protein and fat, providing satiety and flavor.
• Provides vitamins like vitamin A and B12, important for vision and nerve function

Vegetables (½ cup, mixed):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits :

• Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and immune function.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and weight management.
• Low in calories and carbohydrates, suitable for various dietary preferences and needs.

Beaten egg (1 egg):

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

benefits :

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains essential nutrients like vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium.
• Provides flavor, moisture, and a golden brown finish when used as an egg wash.

These values provide a general idea of the nutritional content of the ingredients used in the recipe. However, for more accurate values, it's best to consult specific nutrition labels or use a nutrition calculator based on the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use.