Are you a fan of fried foods? Do you like warm, soft and homemade dough? If you said yes to these two questions this dish is for you. If you said no, after one bite I promise you that you will become a fan! Commonly known as a meat pie, empanadias are actually more versatile than that: You can make these with meat and cheese, pepperoni and cheese (for a more pizza feel), a dessert version made with guava pasta and goat cheese. While traditionally made in a half moon shape, for more convenient handling you can form these in a cylindrical shape, much like a breadstick. And of course, keep plenty of napkins on hand for these greasy snacks!
Melted cheese in between ground beef mixed with sautéed green peppers and onions all sandwiched in homemade dough. Sounds too good to be true, eh? Well, believe me when I say that it is a lot easier to make than you would think! Empanadillas, known as empanadas in most other areas, is a Puerto Rican favorite; being Puerto Rican myself this dish has a special place in my heart. I remember when my mother and grandmother would make these as I was growing up, they were so good! Aside from my visits to Puerto Rico in the past years I have not had these in a long while. That being said, now that I know how to make them I will be having these more often than not.
Cheesy and spicy ground chicken all wrapped in a deep fried dough-
Bite after bite you will be begging for more!
Empanadillas
Have you ever been told how to eat a particular dish? Well, here are some tips:
1. Do not just plunge in and take a bite! These snacks are very hot, so it is best to tear a corner off to release some steam.
2. Keep napkins on hand. While being greasy these are also a bit messy, depending on how much cheese you added. Also, if you chose to take a quick bite you might need a napkin to catch the hot bits of meat.
3. Do not just take one empanadia. After one bite you will be taking another, and then another, and then another until it is all gone! Trust me; you will want a second one…maybe even a third.
If you are planning on making this for dinner serve with a side of white rice with or without pinto beans. Looking for a quick snack? These are perfect served by themselves, with something to drink of course! Made just right these also make perfect desserts, serve after having whatever for dinner. Did you make the dough and realize that you cannot fry them until much later? No worries! Empanadillas can be prepped and then frozen for later. How much later you might ask: A week or two tops, so there is no need to fret.
Empanadillas
Dough
2 12 cups Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 stick of butter (unsalted), chopped
1 egg
1/3 cup ice cold water
1 tablespoon Vinegar
Directions
1. In a large bowl sift flour and salt; add butter and mix by hand, or with a pastry blender, until grainy (pea sized pieces of butter are ok)
2. In a small bowl whisk with fork egg, water and vinegar; add to flour mixture and mix with fork until combined.
3. Put onto lightly floured surface and knead 6-10 times or until dough comes fully together.
4. Form into a rectangular brick; refrigerate in plastic wrap for at least 1 hour.
Meat Filling
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small tomato
1/2 small green pepper
1/2 small red onion
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1/2 lbs. ground meat
Goya Adobo to taste
Garlic to taste
1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Oil to fry (a cup or two)
Directions
1. In a large frying pan sauté first four ingredients.
2. Add ground meat and thoroughly cook. If using ground beef drain the fat after cooking.
3. Add tomato sauce and let simmer for about 15 minutes
4. Roll out dough divide into 12ths. Form 12 disks (I used an empty cylindrical can to form a perfect circle, though it does not need to be!).
5. Add spoonful of mixture into disk; add a pinch of cheese to disk; fold the disk in half to for a half moon shape; with a fork pinch edges until fully closed.
6. Fry in medium heat oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
7. Remove and place on a plate covered in a paper towels; let sit until warm to the touch.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Posted by Efrain on: 8/26/14
Curious as to what other recipes I have made? Try these recipes~
