Ivorian-style Beef Empanadas

Ingredients

In this Ivorian adaptation of the Argentinian Empanadas Tucumanas, we incorporate Ivorian spices such as ginger, coriander, and cayenne pepper into the beef filling. Additionally, we use a homemade pastry that is flaky and buttery, which adds a unique texture to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Empanadas Tucumanas, so you can check it out.

• For the filling: For the filling:
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour 300g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 150g (2/3 cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water 1/4 cup cold water
• For brushing: For brushing:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 26g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground ginger, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough lightly until smooth.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small balls, approximately 2 tablespoons each. Roll out each ball into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the empanadas.
8. 8.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
9. 9.
   Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
10. 10.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Serve the Ivorian-style Beef Empanadas warm as an appetizer or main course.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground chicken or turkey.
• Ginger — Fresh ginger can be grated and added to the filling for a more intense flavor.
• Coriander — If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of ground coriander used.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
• All-purpose flour — Sift the flour before using it to ensure a lighter pastry.

Tips & Tricks

• For a shortcut, you can use store-bought puff pastry instead of making the pastry from scratch.
• Experiment with different fillings such as chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to cater to different dietary preferences.
• Serve the empanadas with a side of Ivorian hot sauce or a tangy tomato salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
• Make a large batch of empanadas and freeze them for later. Simply reheat in the oven for a quick and convenient meal.
• If you prefer a lighter version, brush the empanadas with olive oil instead of beaten egg before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Ivorian-style Beef Empanadas as an appetizer with a side of Ivorian hot sauce or as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown empanadas on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. Serve with a colorful dipping sauce to enhance the visual appeal.