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Next, beat the egg and add it to the mixture, along with the cold water and vinegar. Stir until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add more cold water, a teaspoon at a time, until it forms a smooth, soft dough.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and become easier to roll out.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Filling**
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the mixture with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes.
If using, stir in the chopped olives, raisins, and mashed potato. Let the mixture cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.
#### **Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you are baking the empanadas. Alternatively, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot if you plan to fry them.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a round cutter (you can use a glass or a cookie cutter), cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle, making sure not to overfill. Gently fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, then pinch the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra touch of decoration and to ensure a secure seal.
If you’re baking the empanadas, brush each one with a light coating of the beaten egg to give them a golden finish when they bake.
#### **Step 4: Bake or Fry**
– **To Bake**: Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
– **To Fry**: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve your empanadas warm with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a meal.
### **Empanada Variations**
One of the best parts about empanadas is that the filling options are limitless! Here are a few variations you can try:
– **Cheese Empanadas**: For a vegetarian option, fill your empanadas with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, or cream cheese. Add herbs like oregano or basil for extra flavor.
– **Chicken Empanadas**: Swap out ground beef for shredded cooked chicken. You can add spinach, cheese, or corn for added texture.
– **Spinach and Feta**: A Mediterranean-inspired filling with sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, garlic, and a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor.
– **Sweet Empanadas**: For dessert, try sweet empanadas filled with fruit like apples, pears, or berries, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
### **Tips for Perfect Empanadas**
– **Use Cold Butter**: Cold butter is key for creating a flaky, tender dough. Don’t skip the chilling step to ensure your empanadas turn out light and crispy.
– **Don’t Overfill**: It can be tempting to stuff your empanadas with lots of filling, but overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or leak during cooking. A tablespoon or so of filling per empanada is usually sufficient.
– **Seal Well**: Make sure the edges of your empanadas are securely pinched to prevent any filling from spilling out during cooking.
– **Serve Immediately**: Empanadas are best served fresh and hot, straight from the oven or fryer. However, if you have leftovers, they can be reheated in the oven to retain their crispiness.
### **Conclusion: A Flavorful and Fun Meal**
Empanadas are a versatile, delicious dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re preparing them for a family meal, a party, or just as a fun cooking project, these golden, crispy pockets of goodness are sure to be a hit. With their rich fillings and flaky dough, empanadas combine comfort, flavor, and ease into one irresistible treat.
So, grab your apron and get ready to make these delightful hand pies—they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
