Fried Empanadas

Fried Empanadas Recipe from Argentina | Ingredients: beef, onions, paprika, olives

Region / culture: Argentina | Preparation time: 60 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Fried empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, known for their delicious filling and crispy exterior. These savory turnovers are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.

History

Empanadas have a long history dating back to medieval Spain, where they were originally made with a bread dough and filled with various ingredients. As Spanish colonizers traveled to the Americas, they brought this culinary tradition with them, and empanadas quickly became a staple in Latin American cuisine.

Ingredients

Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 beaten egg
1 cup lard
4 tbsp water

Make the Filling

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
2 large onions, diced
2 scallion onions, diced
1 tbsp paprika
3 hard-boiled eggs
green olives (if desired)
salt to taste (Argentina food tends to use more salt)
0.5 cup boiling water or broth

Finishing the Empanada

0.5 cup lard
Prepared empanada filling
Prepared empanada dough

How to prepare

Step I.
Mix the flour and lard together.
Thoroughly mix the egg with a fork (or a mixer).
Stir the egg into the flour and lard mixture to form a dough.
Slowly add the water, one spoonful at a time, until a soft dough is formed.
Knead the dough until it is soft and elastic.
Let the dough sit for 25-35 minutes.
Step II.
Cook the onions until they turn brown.
Add the ground beef to the onions and stir until it changes color.
Add diced scallions, paprika, and boiling broth (or water).
Stir until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool.
Add chopped green olives and thinly diced hard-boiled eggs.
Step III.
Heat the lard in a large iron pan or skillet.
Roll out the empanada dough flat on a non-wood surface.
Cut the dough into circles using a small soup bowl as a guide.
Place 1 generous tablespoon of filling onto each circle of dough.
Moisten the edges of the dough with water and press with your fingers to seal the empanada.
Place the sealed empanadas in the hot iron pan and fry until lightly browned.

Variations

Try using different fillings such as chicken, cheese, or vegetables.
Add spices like cumin or chili powder to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the dough rest before rolling it out to ensure it is soft and elastic.

- Be sure to seal the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.

- Fry the empanadas in hot oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried empanadas with a side of salsa or chimichurri sauce for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the empanadas in hot oil ensures a crispy and golden brown exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable shortening or butter instead of lard in the dough.

- Ground turkey or pork can be used as a substitute for ground beef in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the empanada dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the empanadas just before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried empanadas on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried empanadas pair well with a side salad or rice and beans for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried empanadas contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried empanadas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried empanadas contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of fried empanadas contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried empanadas are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Fried empanadas may contain allergens such as wheat (from the flour in the dough) and eggs.

Summary

Fried empanadas are a delicious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fried empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or snack. With a crispy exterior and flavorful filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for fried empanadas. It was a warm summer day, and I was just a young girl helping my mother prepare dinner in our cozy little kitchen. My mother was busy rolling out dough for the empanadas, while I watched with fascination as she filled them with a savory meat filling.

As I watched her work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement at the thought of creating something so delicious from scratch. I asked my mother where she learned to make empanadas, and she told me that the recipe had been passed down from her own mother, my grandmother.

My grandmother was a talented cook who loved to experiment with new flavors and ingredients. She had learned the art of cooking from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe for fried empanadas had been in our family for generations, and now it was my turn to learn how to make them.

Over the years, I watched my mother and grandmother make empanadas countless times, each time picking up new tips and tricks to perfecting the recipe. I learned how to make the dough just right, how to season the meat filling to perfection, and how to fry the empanadas until they were golden brown and crispy.

One of the most important lessons my grandmother taught me was the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. She always said that a dish is only as good as the ingredients you put into it, and that fresh herbs and spices can make all the difference in the world.

I remember one summer afternoon when my grandmother took me to the local farmer's market to pick out fresh vegetables for our empanadas. We carefully selected ripe tomatoes, crisp bell peppers, and fragrant herbs to add to our meat filling. I could see the twinkle in my grandmother's eye as she explained the importance of using fresh ingredients, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was learning from the best.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the empanada recipe. I added cheese and olives to the filling, I tried different types of meats and vegetables, and I even made sweet empanadas filled with fruit and sugar for dessert.

Each time I made empanadas, I felt a sense of connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me. I could feel their presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and inspiring me to create something delicious and beautiful.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, rolling out dough and filling empanadas just like my mother and grandmother before me, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through my family. I know that with each bite of a crispy, flavorful empanada, I am honoring their legacy and keeping their traditions alive.

And as I take a bite of a freshly fried empanada, savoring the rich flavors and crispy texture, I can't help but smile and think to myself, "This is more than just a recipe. This is a piece of my family's history, and I am proud to carry it forward for generations to come."