Empanadas (Beef Turnovers)

Empanadas, a beloved dish in Latin American cuisine, are savory turnovers filled with seasoned ground beef, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust. These golden turnovers offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an ideal snack, appetizer, or even a hearty meal.

The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. You can adjust the fillings to suit your preferences – swap in chicken, vegetables, or even a sweet filling for dessert empanadas. Whether you’re serving these as party appetizers or enjoying them as a comforting family dinner, empanadas are always a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 egg
• 4-5 tablespoons cold water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. While the dough chills, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
4. Stir in the chopped olives, hard-boiled egg, and parsley. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter).
6. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges with a fork.
7. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 10 empanadas

Empanadas are not just a meal; they tell the story of Latin American comfort food at its finest. These hand-held pastries are portable, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. The flaky crust, made from scratch, encases a savory beef filling that is seasoned to perfection with a blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder. The addition of green olives and hard-boiled eggs adds an extra layer of richness, offering a delicious surprise with every bite.

Empanadas make for an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time. Whether you bake a batch for a family gathering or freeze them for quick meals later, these turnovers maintain their flavor and texture beautifully. Serve them with a side of chimichurri sauce or salsa for a truly authentic experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying your hand at empanadas for the first time, this recipe will guide you to savory success.

BACKGROUND AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Empanadas have a long and rich history, with origins that can be traced back to Galicia, Spain. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” which means “to coat in bread.” Over time, empanadas made their way to Latin America, where they became a staple dish, each country adapting the recipe to its own flavors and local ingredients. In places like Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, empanadas are beloved street food as well as a popular homemade dish for gatherings, festivals, and family meals.

What makes empanadas so appealing is their adaptability. Depending on the region, empanadas can be baked or fried, filled with savory or sweet ingredients, and shaped in various sizes. In Argentina, beef empanadas with olives and eggs are traditional, while in other areas, chicken, cheese, and even seafood versions are popular. Some versions also feature sweet fillings like dulce de leche or fruit, transforming the empanada into a delectable dessert.

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE BENEFITS

1. Portability and Convenience: Empanadas are the ultimate grab-and-go meal. Their compact, hand-held size makes them perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or a quick snack on the run. You can make a large batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for future meals, which is a time-saver for busy individuals and families.
2. Customizable to Dietary Preferences: While this particular recipe calls for a savory beef filling, empanadas can easily be customized to suit a variety of dietary needs. You can substitute the beef with vegetables, tofu, or even beans for a vegetarian or vegan option. The dough can also be made gluten-free with alternative flours, making empanadas accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
3. Great Source of Protein and Fiber: Empanadas made with ground beef or other proteins provide a hearty serving of essential nutrients. The beef filling in this recipe is rich in protein, which helps support muscle growth and repair, while the addition of olives and eggs contributes healthy fats and a dose of fiber. Paired with a side salad or salsa, empanadas can make for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
4. Family-Friendly and Fun to Make: One of the best things about empanadas is that they’re fun to make with family or friends. Rolling out the dough, filling it with your favorite ingredients, and sealing the edges together creates a hands-on cooking experience that kids and adults alike can enjoy. It’s a great way to introduce younger cooks to the kitchen and share cultural traditions through food.
5. Budget-Friendly: Empanadas are made with simple, inexpensive ingredients, making them a budget-friendly option for families. Ground beef, eggs, flour, and spices are often pantry staples, and the ability to use leftover meats or vegetables makes empanadas a great way to reduce food waste.

ADDITIONAL RECIPE TIPS AND PAIRINGS

• Serving Suggestions: Empanadas are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with a variety of sauces. Try pairing them with chimichurri, a zesty herb sauce, or a tangy salsa verde. For an extra kick, a side of spicy aji picante will bring bold flavors to the dish.
• Sides to Complement: To create a full meal, serve empanadas with a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or black beans and rice. These sides add balance and nutrition to the meal.
• Beverage Pairing: For a true Latin experience, empanadas go beautifully with a glass of Malbec wine from Argentina, or a refreshing agua fresca, a lightly sweetened fruit beverage, for a non-alcoholic option.

Empanadas, with their rich history and global appeal, are a shining example of how food can transcend borders and cultures. From their humble beginnings in Spain to their widespread popularity across Latin America, these turnovers have evolved into a beloved dish that offers endless possibilities. The combination of flaky pastry and a flavorful filling has made empanadas a favorite in homes and street food stalls alike. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional beef empanada in Argentina or a sweet dessert variation in Mexico, this dish connects people through its universal appeal and adaptability.

One of the greatest advantages of empanadas is their versatility. You can prepare them for virtually any occasion—be it a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a party appetizer. The filling options are endless, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. While this recipe focuses on a savory beef filling, you can easily create vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free versions, making empanadas a dish that can accommodate a wide variety of diets. This flexibility is part of what has sustained their popularity for centuries.

Moreover, empanadas are perfect for meal prepping. They store well in the freezer, maintaining their flavor and texture, which makes them ideal for busy lifestyles. You can whip up a large batch, freeze them, and then bake or fry them as needed, ensuring you always have a delicious meal on hand. This not only saves time but also reduces the temptation to rely on takeout or less nutritious convenience foods. It’s an efficient way to provide homemade meals that are both satisfying and wholesome.

Another aspect that makes empanadas so special is their cultural significance. They are often enjoyed at gatherings, festivals, and family celebrations, symbolizing togetherness and sharing. In many Latin American countries, empanadas are a staple at social events, bringing people together over a common love for good food. The process of making empanadas can be just as enjoyable as eating them—whether you’re rolling out dough with family members or preparing them for a potluck, empanadas have a way of creating memorable moments.

For those who appreciate variety, empanadas offer the chance to experiment with flavors from around the world. While the traditional beef filling in this recipe is seasoned with cumin, paprika, and chili powder, you can easily customize the spice blend to reflect different culinary traditions. For instance, you could try a Mediterranean-inspired filling with lamb, feta, and mint, or a Southeast Asian twist with ground chicken, lemongrass, and ginger. The pastry serves as a blank canvas, waiting to be filled with your favorite ingredients.

Conclusion:

Empanadas are a budget-friendly option for families. The ingredients required are simple and affordable, and they often make use of pantry staples. This makes them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Additionally, empanadas are a fantastic way to repurpose leftovers, helping reduce food waste while still delivering a delicious meal.

Empanadas are far more than just a tasty turnover. They embody the spirit of community, creativity, and culinary heritage. Whether you’re baking them for a casual weeknight dinner or preparing them as a special treat for a gathering, empanadas are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. This particular beef empanada recipe offers a flavorful, hearty filling wrapped in a golden, flaky crust that is sure to satisfy any craving. With their adaptability, ease of preparation, and rich cultural background, empanadas deserve a place in every kitchen. So the next time you’re in the mood for something comforting and delicious, try making a batch of empanadas—you won’t be disappointed!