Fried meat empanadas
Fried meat empanadas are a delicious dish of popular cuisine in many places in Latin America. Stuffed with flavorful seasoned meat and wrapped in crispy dough, they are an appetizer or meal traditionally enjoyed at family gatherings and holiday events. Their combination of textures and flavors makes them a favorite that delights comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
For the mass:
• 2 cups (250 g) of wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water
For the filling:
• 300 g of ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
Before making fried meat empanadas, make sure you have all the ingredients ready and the dough well refrigerated. Heat the oil to the right temperature to achieve crispy frying, and remember to seal the edges well to prevent them from opening during cooking.
Indications
Preparation of the dough:
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt.
2. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture has a sandy texture.
3. Gradually add the warm water while mixing, until the dough forms a ball.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest while you prepare the filling.
Preparation of the filling:
1. In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until golden and fragrant.
3. Add the red pepper and cook for a few minutes until tender.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until completely browned and cooked through.
5. Add the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
6. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool before assembling the empanadas.
Assemble and fry the empanadas:
1. Divide the dough into small balls the size of a walnut.
2. Roll out each ball into a thin circle on a floured surface.
3. Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Fold the dough in half to cover the filling and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to make a design on the edge.
5. Heat enough oil in a large skillet to cover the empanadas.
6. When the oil is hot (around 180°C), carefully add the empanadas and fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and place them on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Ready! Now you can enjoy your delicious fried meat empanadas. Remember that quantities and times are approximate, so feel free to adjust them according to your preferences. Enjoy!
