South American Empanadas

Ingredients

While the original Latvian Pīrādziņi are typically made with a yeast dough and filled with ingredients like bacon, onions, and potatoes, South American Empanadas have a different dough and filling. Empanadas are made with a flaky pastry dough and filled with a variety of ingredients such as ground beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, and spices. The flavors and spices used in South American cuisine give the empanadas a distinct taste that sets them apart from the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Pīrādziņi, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 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) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or chicken 1 pound (450g) ground beef or chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (30g) pitted green olives, sliced 1/4 cup (30g) pitted green olives, sliced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt for the dough. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the tomato sauce and water. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the filling onto each dough circle. Add a few slices of green olives and chopped hard-boiled eggs on top of the filling.
8. 8.
   Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the empanadas. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch.
9. 9.
   Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash.
10. 10.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef or chicken — Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Pitted green olives — Rinse the olives before slicing to remove excess brine and enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with cooked lentils or black beans.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese and spinach, or shredded chicken with salsa.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
• Serve the empanadas with a side of chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover empanadas can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the empanadas warm as an appetizer or main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or accompanied by a fresh salad or salsa.

Presentation advice

Arrange the empanadas on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping. The golden brown crust and colorful filling will make for an enticing presentation.