Brazilian Beef Rissoles

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 17g, 1g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

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 as it cooks.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
4. 4.
   Pour in the water and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water while kneading until a smooth dough forms.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and cut out circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.
8. 8.
   Dip each filled rissole into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
9. 9.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the rissoles in batches until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
10. 10.
    Remove the rissoles from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
11. 11.
    Serve the Brazilian Beef Rissoles hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter variation.
• Paprika — Opt for smoked paprika to add an extra layer of smoky flavor to the filling.
• Vegetable oil — Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying the rissoles.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the beef filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• Experiment with different spices and herbs to customize the flavor of the filling according to your preference.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the rissoles in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Brazilian Beef Rissoles as an appetizer or snack with a side of hot sauce or chimichurri for dipping. They can also be enjoyed as a main course alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown rissoles on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for a pop of color. Serve them warm to showcase their crispy exterior and inviting aroma.