Pocket Rockets: Classic Beef Empanadas
- Recipe Introduction: Pocket Rockets are GO!
- Ingredients & Equipment for Your Pocket Rockets
- Pocket Rockets: Classic Beef Empanadas (That Even Your Nan Would Love)
- Serving Up Those Pocket Rockets
- Storing Your Leftover Goodness
- Flaky Empanada Dough Recipe : Tweaks and Twists!
- Nutrition Nuggets
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction: Pocket Rockets are GO!
Ever had one of those days where you just crave comfort food? me too. that's when i whip up these amazing pocket rockets: classic beef empanadas .
They're basically the ultimate hand held flavour explosion. think savoury, flaky, and totally addictive!
What are Empanadas anyway?
So, what is an empanada? they're basically little pies, aren't they? but not just any pies! these savoury pastries, often filled with spiced meat, have roots in spain and latin america.
The authentic empanada recipe varies across countries. they're proper soul food. we want a flaky empanada dough recipe , and we're going to get it.
These bad boys aren't difficult to make, but they do take a bit of time about 2 hours from start to finish, including chilling the dough.
The active prep is only about 30 minutes. this easy empanadas recipe makes around 12 empanadas. perfect for sharing… or not.
Wink .
Benefits of Bitesize Bliss
One of the main perks? you can totally customize the filling! plus, you get a good hit of protein from the beef.
Beef empanada recipe is a winner. empanadas are great for parties. they're also an excellent choice for a casual family dinner.
And honestly, who doesn't love a good hand pie recipe ?
Essential Ingredients Await!
Get ready to roll. you'll need flour, butter, ground beef, and a few other bits and bobs. but more on that soon.
Let's make some magic! this argentine empanadas recipe will knock your socks off! we'll master the empanadas dough and explore the empanada fillings .
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Pocket Rockets
Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these Easy Empanadas Recipe . Honestly, once you’ve got your ingredients sorted, you're halfway there! This is your guide to how to make empanadas !
Main Ingredients: The Good Stuff
Ok, here's the lowdown. This list is for about 12 empanadas . I'll give you both US and metric because, well, why not?
Dough Time!
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (300g) . Go for a good quality one!
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) . Simple, but important.
- Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cut into 1/2 inch cubes. Keep it cold . Seriously. Cold butter is key for a Flaky Empanada Dough Recipe
- Ice water: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Yep, ice-cold!
- Egg wash: 1 large egg , beaten. Makes 'em shiny.
The Beefy Filling:
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Yellow onion: 1 large (approx. 150g) , finely chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 6g) , minced. Oh my gosh, don't skip the garlic!
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450g) . I reckon about 15-20% fat is perfect for flavour.
- Red bell pepper: 1 (approx. 150g) , finely diced.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (3g) .
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (1.5g) . Authentic empanada recipe requires this!
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon (0.75g) (optional, for a little kick!).
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can (411g) , undrained.
- Beef broth: 1/2 cup (120ml) .
- Green olives: 1/4 cup (60g) , pitted and chopped. Argentine empanadas love olives!
- Raisins: 2 tablespoons (30g) (optional, but trust me!). Sweetness rules!. Raisins aren't everyone's cup of tea.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste. Don't be shy.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The magic's in the spices, right? cumin and smoked paprika are the backbone here. they give that beef empanada recipe proper warmth and depth.
If you're missing smoked paprika, a little bit of regular paprika with a tiny dash of liquid smoke might do the trick.
But honestly, just get the smoked stuff. you can find other empanada fillings recipes but you will not find this secret.
Essential Equipment: Get Your Kit On
You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this, promise!
- Large mixing bowl.
- Food processor (optional, for dough). Honestly, it makes life easier.
- Large skillet.
- Rolling pin. Gotta roll that dough!
- 4 inch round cookie cutter (or small bowl). It's a Hand Pie Recipes, and this is essencial.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper. No one likes a sticky bottom!
What is an empanada if not deliciousness in a perfectly formed pastry? Now, go forth and conquer those Empanadas Recipe !
Pocket Rockets: Classic Beef Empanadas (That Even Your Nan Would Love)
Fancy a taste of south america? these aren't just any old hand pie recipes; these are proper pocket rockets ! think beef empanadas recipe , but with a bit of love and a whole lotta flavour.
They're savory, comforting, and honestly, you won't be able to stop at just one. ever wondered what is an empanada ? well, it's basically the cornish pasty's cooler cousin!
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Right, before we get our aprons dirty, let's talk mise en place , that's fancy for "getting everything ready". dice your onions, mince your garlic, and measure out all your ingredients.
Trust me, it'll save you a headache later. if you're feeling extra organised, get your empanadas dough chilling in the fridge it needs at least an hour.
Safety tip: Don't lick the spoon when you're handling raw beef. Just... don't.
step-by-step: Building Your Pocket Rockets
- Dough Time : Combine 2 1/2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup cold butter until crumbly. Add 1/2 cup ice water gradually. Chill for 1 hour !
- Sizzle Onions & Garlic : Heat 1 tablespoon oil, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Brown the Beef : Add 1 pound ground beef, cook until browned. Drain fat!
- Simmer Magic : Stir in 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup beef broth. Simmer for 20 minutes .
- Add Goodies : Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green olives and 2 tablespoons raisins (optional). Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Time : Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Roll dough to 1/8 inch, cut 4 inch circles.
- Fill & Seal : Add 2 tablespoons filling, moisten edges, fold, and crimp with a fork.
- Bake to Golden : Brush with egg. Bake for 25- 30 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips for Empanada Glory
Want to take your empanadas from "meh" to "marvellous"? here are a few secrets. first, use cold ingredients for the dough cold butter and ice water are your friends for achieving that flaky empanada dough recipe .
I have fond memories of making these easy empanadas recipe with my grandma and chilling dough was always our mantra.
Second, don't overfill the empanadas, or they'll explode! third, egg wash is your best friend. it gives that gorgeous golden sheen.
One mistake people make is not chilling the dough enough. honestly, it makes a world of difference! and if you're super busy, assemble the empanadas ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
A truly authentic empanada recipe hinges on patience!
So there you have it! my take on a beef empanada recipe , ready for you to try at home.
Give it a go, and let me know what you think! you might even want to research argentine empanadas , to give it that extra special edge to your own version.
Enjoy!
Right then, let's talk easy empanadas recipe notes! i've made these pocket rockets loads of times, and honestly, there's always something new to learn.
These authentic empanada recipe tips are what i've picked up along the way. you know, stuff they don't always tell you.
Serving Up Those Pocket Rockets
Right, so you’ve got these beautiful, golden Hand Pie Recipes ready to go. What's next? Plating and presentation, darlings!
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: A rustic wooden board is always a winner. Scatter a few fresh parsley sprigs around the Argentine empanadas for a pop of colour. Honestly, even just piling them high in a basket looks amazing.
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: I reckon a vibrant chimichurri sauce is the perfect partner for these Beef empanada recipe . Something fresh and zingy cuts through the richness. Or, you can't go wrong with a classic salsa verde. For drinks? A nice cold beer is always a good shout, or maybe a glass of Malbec if you're feeling fancy.
Storing Your Leftover Goodness
So, you've not managed to scoff the lot? Don't worry, we've all been there. But you're probably wondering how to make empanadas last.
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Pop any leftover Empanadas recipe into an airtight container and they'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Options: Want to save them for a rainy day? Freeze them! Wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but they won't be quite as crispy. Honestly, I prefer the oven it's worth the wait!
Flaky Empanada Dough Recipe : Tweaks and Twists!
Fancy mixing it up a bit? No problem. This Empanadas Dough recipe is your oyster.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a veggie version, try swapping the beef for lentils and some roasted veg. Still delicious!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In autumn, butternut squash and sage make a fantastic Empanada fillings . In summer, sweetcorn and courgette are lovely.
Nutrition Nuggets
- Simplified Nutrition Information: Each what is an empanada serving has around 350 calories, 15g of protein, 20g of fat, and 30g of carbs. It is also a great source of fibre.
- Key Health Benefits: Let's be real, these are a treat! But they do contain protein from the beef and some vitamins from the vegetables. Everything in moderation, eh?
So there you have it! All my insider tips and tricks for making the perfect Pocket Rockets. Don't be scared to have a go, and most importantly, have fun! You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, so what is an empanada, exactly? I've heard the name thrown around but I'm still drawing a blank.
Alright, think of an empanada as the ultimate savory hand pie, a bit like a Cornish pasty but with a vibrant Latin American twist. It's basically a pastry pocket filled with delicious things like seasoned meat, cheese, veggies, or even fruit. The dough is crimped or sealed, then baked or fried until golden brown.
They're a brilliant portable snack or meal, perfect for picnics or a quick bite!
What are the key differences in how empanadas are prepared in different countries?
That's a cracking question! Empanadas vary wildly across Latin America and Spain. The dough can be made with wheat flour, corn flour, or even plantains, leading to different textures and flavors.
Fillings can range from spiced ground beef (like in this recipe) to seafood in coastal regions, or even sweet fillings like dulce de leche. Preparation methods vary too: some are baked, others are deep fried. It's like asking what the perfect cup of tea is everyone's got their own special way!
Can I make these ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee!
Absolutely! Empanadas are perfect for making ahead. You can assemble them and refrigerate them, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Just pop them in the oven when you're ready to bake. You can also freeze baked empanadas. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
Reheat them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes easy peasy!
Is there a low-fat version of these empanadas? What kind of nutritional profile can I expect?
Yes, there are definitely ways to lighten them up! Use leaner ground beef or ground turkey, and consider swapping out some of the beef broth for water. You could also use a lower fat pastry dough or even make your own with whole wheat flour and less butter.
While the provided recipe yields about 350 calories per empanada, you can expect the fat content to decrease significantly with these tweaks. Keep in mind that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
"What is an empanada" without a dipping sauce? What dips go well with these beef empanadas?
An empanada is great on its own, but a good dipping sauce elevates it to another level! For these beef empanadas, think about something that cuts through the richness of the filling. Chimichurri sauce is a classic choice that herby, garlicky kick is just superb. Salsa verde offers a tangy, spicy counterpoint.
Even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt works a treat! If you're feeling adventurous, a spicy chipotle mayo could do the trick, too.
I'm vegetarian; are there any easy substitutions to make this dish work for me?
Absolutely! You can easily make these empanadas vegetarian. Instead of the ground beef, use a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and corn. Black beans or lentils are great additions for extra protein and heartiness.
You can also add a bit of crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick. Get creative with your veggie blend and have fun!
Pocket Rockets Classic Beef Empanadas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
