Argentine Empanadas

These Argentine Empanadas are golden, flaky pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of beef, vegetables, herbs, and eggs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meal, they can be baked or fried to perfection.

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Ingredients

Filling:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 white onions, chopped (~4 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• 1 ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 2 Tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp beef bouillon
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 bunch green onions (greens only), finely chopped
• ½ cup chopped green olives
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and finely chopped

Dough (makes ~20 empanadas):

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 Tbsp oil
• ¾–1 cup warm water
• Egg wash: 1 egg mixed with 1 Tbsp water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add garlic and red pepper and cook another 10 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Increase heat to medium, add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking into small pieces, until browned. Stir in beef bouillon.
5. Transfer mixture to a bowl to cool for 10 minutes, then fold in green onions, olives, parsley, and hard-boiled eggs.
6. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days. Chilled filling ensures the empanadas hold their shape.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add egg and butter and mix. Stir in oil and warm water, gradually forming a dough ball. Adjust water as needed if too dry.
2. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover tightly, and rest at room temperature for 1 hour (or refrigerate up to 1 day, bringing to room temperature for 20 minutes before rolling).

3. Assemble the Empanadas

1. Divide dough into two portions. Roll each into a large circle about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Using a 6-inch round cutter (or 3-inch for mini empanadas), cut dough into circles. Keep scraps to re-roll.
3. Place ~2 Tbsp of filling in the center of each circle. Moisten edges with water, fold over to form a semi-circle, and seal edges by pinching or crimping with a fork.

4. Cook the Empanadas

Baked:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and bake 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

Fried:

• Chill empanadas for 20 minutes to firm dough. Heat several inches of oil to 365°F (185°C). Fry 1–2 at a time, flipping once, 1–2 minutes per side, until golden. Drain on paper towels.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Argentine flavor: Classic spices and savory beef with a hint of olives and herbs.
• Versatile cooking: Can be baked for a lighter version or fried for extra crispiness.
• Perfect for gatherings: Makes a large batch ideal for parties or snacks.
• Customizable: Add or omit ingredients based on your taste preferences.

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Tips

• Chill the filling: Prevents dough from becoming soggy and helps empanadas hold shape.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can break the dough while cooking.
• Egg wash: Brushing before baking gives a beautiful golden sheen.
• Re-roll scraps: Minimize waste and maximize yield.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can replace beef.
• Vegetarian: Use sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and cheese.
• Spice level: Adjust chili powder to taste, or add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Dough: Use store-bought puff pastry or pie dough for convenience.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble the empanadas and refrigerate up to 1 day, or freeze uncooked for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I prevent them from opening during cooking?
A: Seal the edges firmly with a fork or crimp and avoid overfilling.

Q: Can I bake and fry in the same batch?
A: Absolutely! Some can be baked while others fried for variety.

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Serving

• Serve warm as an appetizer, snack, or main dish.
• Pair with chimichurri sauce, sour cream, or spicy dipping sauce for extra flavor.

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Suggestions

• Perfect for picnics, parties, or holiday spreads.
• Make mini empanadas for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
• Add a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to make a complete meal.