Abud with a South American Twist

Ingredients

In this South American adaptation of Abud, we have replaced the traditional flatbread with a flaky pastry crust commonly used in empanadas. The filling remains similar, with the addition of South American spices like cumin and paprika to enhance the flavor profile. The cooking method has also been modified to bake the empanadas instead of frying them, resulting in a healthier and lighter version of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Abud, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 kJ
• Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 11g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
6. 6.
   Pour in the water and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, or until the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
8. 8.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
9. 9.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.
10. 10.
    Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
11. 11.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to add an extra layer of smoky flavor to the empanadas.
• Olive oil — Extra virgin olive oil can be used for a more pronounced flavor in the filling.
• All-purpose flour — If you prefer a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the filling.
• Serve the empanadas with a side of chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Make a large batch of empanadas and freeze them for later. Simply bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese and spinach or shredded chicken with salsa verde.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Abud Empanadas as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or as an appetizer for a party. They are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown empanadas on a platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve them with a side of chimichurri sauce in a small dipping bowl for an attractive and flavorful presentation.