Savory Spanish Empanadas: A Beginner’s Guide to Delicious Meat Pastries

Craving a taste of Spain? Look no further than these incredibly flavorful Spanish Empanadas! These hand-held meat pies are a staple in Spanish cuisine, perfect as a hearty snack, appetizer, or even a satisfying main course. Imagine flaky, golden-brown pastry filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, and a touch of spice. Sounds delicious, right? This recipe breaks down the traditional process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring that even novice bakers can create authentic and mouthwatering Spanish Empanadas right in their own kitchens. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful taste of Spain! This recipe will guide you through creating the perfect dough and the delicious meat filling that makes Spanish Empanadas so irresistible. These Spanish Empanadas are a taste of home, made easy for anyone to create in their own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get baking!

Recipe Overview

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the key information you’ll need to plan your baking adventure. Below is a table outlining the preparation time, cooking time, number of servings, and overall difficulty level.

Nutrition per serving (approximate)

Each Spanish Empanada contains an approximate nutritional value. Values listed below are estimates and may vary based on ingredient specifics and portion sizes. It is always best to consult with a nutritionist for definitive data. This information is only an estimate for those interested. Spanish Empanadas are a delicious treat to be enjoyed but should be part of a balanced diet.

Ingredients for Delicious Spanish Empanadas

Now, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is designed to be adaptable, so feel free to adjust quantities based on your personal preferences. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste, so choose fresh, high-quality options whenever possible. These quantities will make enough for twelve Spanish Empanadas.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to create authentic Spanish Empanadas that are sure to impress! We will be making the pastry dough and filling, assembling the empanadas, and baking them to perfection.

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a flaky crust. The chilling process allows the gluten to relax, preventing a tough pastry.
4. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the meat filling. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
6. Season the Filling: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Cool the Filling: Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool completely. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough.
10. Assemble the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle.
11. Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly. This step is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
12. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
13. Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Cool Slightly: Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set and prevents burns.

Serving Suggestions for your Spanish Empanadas

These Spanish Empanadas are delicious served warm or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a variety of sides and sauces, making them a versatile dish for any occasion. You can enhance the dining experience by offering a diverse range of complementary items. A few options include:

• Chimichurri Sauce: This Argentinian herb-based sauce adds a tangy and vibrant flavor that complements the savory filling.
• Spicy Aioli: A garlic mayonnaise with a kick of spice provides a creamy and bold counterpoint to the empanadas.
• Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas.
• Spanish Rice: Serving with traditional Spanish rice enhances the overall meal.
• Black Beans: Offer a side of black beans for added flavor and nutrition.

Spanish Empanadas can also be served as a component of a larger tapas spread. Including items such as olives, cheeses, and cured meats alongside your empanadas can create a complete and authentic Spanish culinary experience. This versatile dish can be tailored to your specific taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings, sides, and sauces to create a customized culinary delight.

Tips and Notes for Perfect Spanish Empanadas

Here are a few extra tips and notes to help you achieve empanada perfection:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: The key to a flaky pastry crust is to keep the butter and water as cold as possible. This prevents the butter from melting and creating a tough dough.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Cool the Filling: Cooling the filling prevents the dough from becoming soggy.
• Seal the Edges Tightly: Make sure to crimp the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
• Egg Wash for Color: Brushing the tops of the empanadas with egg wash gives them a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as chicken, chorizo, or vegetables.
• Make Ahead: Empanadas can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of paprika, cumin, and black pepper to suit your taste. For a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

These Spanish Empanadas are a truly versatile and delicious dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, an impressive appetizer, or a satisfying main course, these savory meat pies are sure to hit the spot. With a little practice and these helpful tips, you’ll be creating authentic and mouthwatering Spanish Empanadas in no time. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the flavors of Spain! Remember, the key is to have fun and experiment until you find the perfect combination of flavors that suits your taste. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always rewarding. These delicious Spanish Empanadas Meat Pastry are very popular, and will be a great success in any party.

Enjoy your homemade Spanish Empanadas, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!