Empanadas de carne
Empanadas are a popular dish throughout Latin America, with each country serving their unique twist on this delicious pastry. In Mexico, empanadas are a cherished snack that locals enjoy throughout the day. Whether you’re grabbing a quick midday snack or need something to munch on while waiting for your bus, empanadas are the perfect choice.
Mexican Empanadas de carne are savory pastry pockets filled with a delicious beef filling. The dough is made from masa or wheat flour, and the filling is a combination of ground beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and spices. Empanadas are typically formed into half-moon shapes, then fried or baked until crispy.
Empanadas have a rich history in Mexican cuisine, dating back to the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs used to create similar stuffed dishes made from cornmeal, and the concept evolved into the empanadas we know and love today.
They were introduced to Mexico during the Spanish Conquest when the Spaniards brought with them a variety of pastries and bread. Over time, the Mexicans incorporated their unique flavors and spices, making empanadas a staple in Mexican cuisine.
Mexican empanadas de carne can be eaten as a meal on their own, or served as a party appetizer or snack. They are also commonly found at local street vendors, with many locals grabbing one on their way home from work.
To make Mexican empanadas de carne, you will need a few key ingredients. For the dough, you will need masa harina, water, and salt. For the filling, you will need ground beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, spices, and cilantro.
To make the dough, you will need to mix the masa harina, water, and salt until a smooth dough is formed. This dough needs to rest for at least an hour before forming the empanadas.
For the filling, start by cooking the ground beef in a pan until browned. Then add onion, garlic, and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer for several minutes. Finally, add the spices and bell pepper, cooking until everything is well combined.
To form the empanadas, take a small ball of dough and roll it out on a flat surface into a round shape. Place a spoonful of the filling on one side of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the other side over and press the edges with a fork to create a seal. Repeat the process until all the empanadas are formed.
To cook the empanadas, they can be fried or baked. For baking, brush the empanadas with an egg wash before placing them in the oven. For frying, heat up oil in a frying pan and fry the empanadas until they are crispy and golden brown.
Mexican empanadas de carne are a classic dish that has stood the test of time. With its delicious beef filling and crispy pastry exterior, they are a perfect choice for anyone craving something savory and satisfying. Whether a quick snack or a full meal, empanadas are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients:
-2 cups all-purpose flour -1 teaspoon baking powder -¼ teaspoon salt -½ cup unsalted butter or margarine, at room temperature -½ cup granulated sugar -1 large egg -1 teaspoon vanilla extract -2 tablespoons cold water -1 pound ground beef -1 tablespoon olive oil -1 small onion, chopped -1 small green bell pepper, chopped -1 small red bell pepper, chopped -2 garlic cloves, minced -1 teaspoon chili powder -1 teaspoon ground cumin -1 teaspoon paprika -1 teaspoon dried oregano -½ teaspoon ground cinnamon -¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper -Salt and black pepper, to taste -1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese -1 egg, beaten -1 tablespoon water -2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add egg, vanilla extract, and cold water. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until evenly combined. Divide dough into two equal parts and shape into discs. Wrap each disc with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir until evenly combined. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each chilled dough disc to ¼ inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out circles of dough. Place the circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon some of the beef mixture onto the center of each circle of dough. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Fold the empanada dough over and use a fork to press the edges together to seal. Combine the beaten egg and water in a small mixing bowl. Brush the empanadas with the egg wash.
- Bake the empanadas for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer empanadas to a serving platter, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm. Enjoy!