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Argentine empanadas de carne are a delicious and traditional dish enjoyed throughout Argentina. These savory pastries feature a flavorful beef filling wrapped in a flaky crust, making them perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a snack. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic empanadas de carne with a crispy, flaky crust from scratch.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Preparing the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, diced butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead briefly, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Making the Filling
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until soft. Add the ground beef, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
Baking the Empanadas
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a shiny, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy Your Empanadas!
Serve your Argentine empanadas de carne hot, perhaps with a side of chimichurri or a fresh salad. These empanadas are perfect for sharing and offer a taste of Argentine tradition in every bite. Enjoy your homemade, flaky crust empanadas!