How to Prepare Argentine Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve ever visited Argentina or explored its cuisine, you’ve likely heard of empanadas. These delicious pastries, with golden crusts and flavorful fillings, are one of Argentina’s most beloved foods! Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or the star of a meal, empanadas are a crowd-pleaser. The best part? You can make them at home! This blog will walk you through an easy way to prepare Argentine empanadas in simple steps. Let’s get started!
What Are Empanadas?
Empanadas are savory pastries that are made by filling dough with ingredients like meats, vegetables, cheese, and spices. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, which means “to wrap or coat in bread.” In Argentina, empanadas are widely enjoyed, and each region often has its own style of fillings, spices, and cooking methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Argentine empanadas, you’ll need to prepare two main parts: the dough and the filling. Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups (450 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water, cold
For the Filling (Classic Beef Filling):
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
These are just the classic ingredients, but feel free to customize your fillings to suit your taste. Some people love adding cheese or using chicken instead of beef.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Making empanada dough is easier than you might think! Follow these steps:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add butter: Add the cold, diced butter to the bowl and use your fingers to rub it gently into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Add the cold water a little at a time while mixing. Once the dough starts to come together, use your hands to knead it lightly until it forms a smooth ball.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or cover it with a cloth, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is resting, it’s time to make the filling! For a classic Argentine beef filling, follow these steps:
- Cook the onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they’re soft and translucent.
- Add the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned.
- Season the meat: Add smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Finish with extras: Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in chopped hard-boiled eggs and green olives (if using). Let the mixture cool before filling your empanadas.
Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
- Roll out the dough: Take the rested dough out of the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (or a bowl) to cut circles about 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) wide.
- Fill the dough: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill!
- Seal the edges: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp using a fork or by twisting the edges with your fingers to make a traditional braided look.
- Prepare for baking or frying:
- To bake: Place the empanadas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a little water) to help them turn golden.
- To fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet and fry the empanadas until golden brown, turning them as needed.
Step 4: Cook and Serve
- Bake the empanadas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the empanadas for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy.
- Fry the empanadas: Fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy, then place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Allow the empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Pair them with a side of chimichurri sauce or simply enjoy them as they are!
Tips for Perfect Empanadas
- Don’t skip chilling the dough: This helps it stay flaky when cooked.
- Use cold butter and water: This keeps the dough tender and easy to work with.
- Customize your fillings: Experiment with combinations like spinach and cheese, ham and cheese, or roasted vegetables.
- Make extra: Empanadas freeze beautifully! Store them uncooked in the freezer, then bake or fry them fresh when you’re ready.
Enjoying Your Homemade Argentine Empanadas
Making Argentine empanadas at home is not only fun but also deliciously rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bring the flavors of Argentina to your kitchen. Share them with friends and family, and enjoy the magic of homemade empanadas. Happy cooking!
