Hearty Rice Empanada Recipe from Spain with Beef, Tomato, Olives, and More

Hearty Rice Empanada

Hearty Rice Empanada Recipe from Spain with Beef, Tomato, Olives, and More
Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hearty Rice Empanada
Hearty Rice Empanada

Hearty Rice Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. These savory pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, vegetables, and spices, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. They are perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Empanadas have a long history that dates back to medieval Spain. They were originally made as portable meals for travelers and soldiers. The concept of a filled pastry has spread to many different cultures around the world, each putting their own unique twist on the dish. The Hearty Rice Empanada recipe combines traditional empanada flavors with a hearty rice filling.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it is thoroughly cooked. Drain the fat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onion is tender.
  3. Add the rice, tomato, green onions, raisins, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the flavors of the ingredients are well blended.
  4. Spoon 0.25 cup of the filling onto half of each pastry round.
  5. Fold the pastry over the filling. Seal and crimp the edges.
  6. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden.

Variations

  • You can customize the filling of Hearty Rice Empanadas by adding different vegetables, meats, or spices. You can also experiment with different types of pie crusts or make your own from scratch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly cook the ground beef before adding it to the filling mixture.

- Be sure to seal and crimp the edges of the empanadas well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- You can customize the filling to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or meats.

Serving Suggestions

Hearty Rice Empanadas can be served with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Hearty Rice Empanadas include browning the ground beef, sautéing the vegetables, and baking the pastries until golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. You can also use different types of rice or vegetables in the filling.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for Hearty Rice Empanadas ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and bake the pastries.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hearty Rice Empanadas on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hearty Rice Empanadas pair well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. They also go well with a side of guacamole or salsa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Hearty Rice Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hearty Rice Empanada contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hearty Rice Empanada contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hearty Rice Empanada contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hearty Rice Empanada contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hearty Rice Empanadas are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Hearty Rice Empanadas contain wheat and may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Hearty Rice Empanadas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hearty Rice Empanadas are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy these savory pastries with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Hearty Rice Empanada. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I wanted to soak up every bit of knowledge she had to offer.

One day, while we were sitting at her kitchen table, she pulled out an old, tattered recipe book that had been passed down through generations. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe for Hearty Rice Empanada. The ingredients were simple, yet the combination sounded delicious.

My grandmother explained to me that she had learned this recipe from one of her dearest friends, who had traveled to Spain and brought back this traditional dish. She had put her own twist on it over the years, and now it was a staple in our family gatherings.

As we gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, my grandmother shared stories of her friend and the adventures they had shared together. I could see the love and nostalgia in her eyes as she talked about the memories they had made.

The process of making the Hearty Rice Empanada was a labor of love. We cooked the rice until it was perfectly tender, mixed in the seasoned ground beef, and folded it all into a flaky pastry crust. The aroma that filled the kitchen was irresistible, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite.

When the empanada was finally finished baking, we let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into it. The crust was golden brown and flaky, and the filling was steaming hot and savory. I took a bite and was instantly transported to Spain, with its rich flavors and comforting warmth.

From that day on, the Hearty Rice Empanada became a regular dish in our family gatherings. My grandmother would make it for holidays, birthdays, and any other special occasion. It became a symbol of our family's history and heritage, a reminder of the strong bonds we shared.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make the Hearty Rice Empanada for my loved ones. I passed down the recipe to my children, who now make it for their own families. It has become a tradition that connects us to our past and keeps us grounded in our roots.

I often think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen, when I first discovered the magic of the Hearty Rice Empanada. It was more than just a recipe – it was a piece of history, a connection to the past that continues to live on through the generations. And every time I make it, I feel my grandmother's presence with me, guiding me through each step and filling my heart with love and warmth.

Categories

| Beef Recipes | Green Olive Recipes | Main Dish Meat Recipes | Rice Recipes | Savory Pastry Recipes | Spanish Meat Dishes | Spanish Recipes |

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