Argentinian-style Spring Rolls

Ingredients

While the original Chinese spring rolls are typically made with a thin wheat-based wrapper and filled with ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, our Argentinian-style Spring Rolls take inspiration from the traditional Argentinian empanadas. The filling is a flavorful combination of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and spices, enclosed in a flaky pastry dough. These empanadas are then baked until golden and crispy, giving them a unique Argentinian twist. We alse have the original recipe for Spring Rolls, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth
• 1/4 cup (60g) green olives, pitted and chopped 1/4 cup (60g) green olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) raisins 1/4 cup (30g) raisins
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g / 7g (total / saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 35g / 3g (total / sugars)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the green olives and raisins, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. 4.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small balls. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. 6.
   Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork.
7. 7.
   Brush the empanadas with beaten egg wash for a golden crust.
8. 8.
   Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. 9.
   Serve the Argentinian-style Spring Rolls warm and enjoy!

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.
• Green olives — If you're not a fan of olives, you can omit them or replace them with chopped pickles for a tangy twist.
• Raisins — For a touch of sweetness, you can use dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of raisins.
• Bell peppers — Feel free to use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing filling.
• Egg wash — To achieve a shiny and golden crust, make sure to beat the egg well before brushing it onto the empanadas.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper to the mixture.
• Serve the empanadas with chimichurri sauce or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
• These empanadas can be frozen before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese and spinach or chicken and corn to create your own unique empanada variations.

Serving advice

Serve the Argentinian-style Spring Rolls as an appetizer or main course. Accompany them with a fresh green salad or a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping. These empanadas are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.

Presentation advice

Arrange the empanadas on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. For an elegant touch, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the empanadas just before serving. The golden brown crust and savory filling will make a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.