Discover the irresistible charm of "Empanadas de Horno Receta Abuela Lucia," a recipe that transports you straight to the heart of Latin cuisine! These delightful baked empanadas, filled with savory ground beef and aromatic spices, are perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering. With a buttery, flaky crust and a mouthwatering filling, each bite is a celebration of flavors that will leave your guests begging for more. Ready to impress your loved ones with this timeless recipe? Dive in and uncover the secrets to creating these delectable treats right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Latin
Serves: 12 empanadas
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to rest.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent and soft.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with cumin and salt, cooking until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Remove the meat mixture from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or small plate to cut circles approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal completely.
- Whisk the egg and brush the surface of each empanada with the egg wash to create a golden, shiny finish.
- Arrange empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite salsa or dipping sauce.
Tips
- Chill the Dough: Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the butter firm up, resulting in a flakier crust when baked.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the spices! Adjust the cumin and salt to your taste, and consider adding a pinch of paprika or chili powder for an extra kick.
- Don’t Overfill: When adding the meat filling, use just enough to cover the bottom half of the dough circle. Overfilling can lead to bursting empanadas during baking.
- Crimping Technique: Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly. This not only seals the empanadas but also adds a decorative touch.
- Egg Wash for Shine: For a beautiful golden finish, brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking. This simple step makes a big difference in presentation!
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your empanadas fresh out of the oven with your favorite salsa or dipping sauce for a truly delightful experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
