Argentinian Apple Empanadas

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) 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) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the egg wash: For the egg wash:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon water
• For dusting: For dusting:
• Powdered sugar Powdered sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (14g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water to the dough mixture, mixing with a fork until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice for the filling. Mix well until the apples are evenly coated.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   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.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water for the egg wash. Brush the empanadas with the egg wash to give them a golden color when baked.
8. 8.
   Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dust the empanadas with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the best flavor and texture.
• Lemon juice — Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for a bright and tangy taste.
• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky crust.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, add a sprinkle of ground cloves or nutmeg to the apple filling for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Serve the empanadas warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can increase the amount of brown sugar according to your taste.
• These empanadas can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
• Experiment with different shapes for the empanadas, such as triangles or rectangles, to add visual interest.

Serving advice

Serve the Argentinian Apple Empanadas warm as a delicious dessert. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Presentation advice

Arrange the freshly baked empanadas on a serving platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added visual appeal.