Here’s a classic Empanada recipe — golden, flaky, and filled with your choice of savory or sweet fillings 🥟
Basic Empanadas
Ingredients
Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- ¼–½ cup cold water
Filling (Savory Beef Example)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green olives or raisins (optional)
Egg wash
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Beat egg and mix in; gradually add water until dough forms.
- Knead lightly, wrap in plastic, and chill 30 minutes.
Make the Filling
- Heat oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add beef, spices, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- Stir in optional ingredients (egg, olives, raisins). Cool before filling.
Assemble Empanadas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4–6 inch circles.
- Place 1–2 tablespoons filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold over and seal edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- Cheese & spinach, chicken, or sweet fruit fillings work great
- Freeze uncooked empanadas for a quick meal later
- Frying instead of baking gives extra crispiness
If you want, I can give a sweet dessert empanada version with cinnamon and fruit filling.
