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How to Make Argentinean Empanadas Dough (Tapas) + 3 Easy Fillings | Beef, Caprese, Ham & Cheese

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Empanada dough has roots in Spanish cuisine, where empanadas were originally made as portable meals for travelers. In the Dominican Republic, these savory pastries are a beloved street food, often filled with meats, cheese, or vegetables. They symbolize comfort and community, frequently enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. Today, empanadas have gained international popularity, with various fillings and dough recipes adapted across cultures.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • salt
  • butter
  • egg
  • water
  • vinegar
  • baking powder
  • sugar

Instructions

  1. 1Mix all-purpose flour and salt in a large bowl.
  2. 2Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. 3Whisk together egg, water, and vinegar in a separate bowl.
  4. 4Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
  5. 5Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a subtle flavor.

all-purpose flour

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: bread flour

Whole wheat flour increases fiber content.

egg

Healthier: flaxseed meal

Cheaper: aquafaba

Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative that binds well.

vinegar

Healthier: lemon juice

Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Lemon juice adds acidity and flavor.

Techniques

mixingkneadingrolling

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskrolling pinplastic wrap
glutendairyegg

Also Known As

Empanada PastryMasa de Empanada

Beef empanadas are a cherished dish in Argentina, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage influenced by Spanish and Italian immigrants. Traditionally, these savory pastries are enjoyed during gatherings, celebrations, and as street food. Today, variations abound globally, with fillings ranging from cheese to vegetables, showcasing the empanada's versatility and appeal.

Ingredients

  • beef
  • onion
  • garlic
  • bell pepper
  • hard-boiled eggs
  • olives
  • cumin
  • paprika
  • salt
  • pepper
  • empanada dough
  • olive oil
  • parsley
  • vinegar
  • water

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in minced garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. 4Add ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. 5Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; mix well and remove from heat.
  6. 6Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs, olives, and parsley; let cool slightly.
  7. 7Roll out empanada dough on a floured surface; cut into circles.
  8. 8Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
  9. 9Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape; crimp edges to seal.
  10. 10Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking; or heat oil for frying in a deep pan.
  11. 11Arrange empanadas on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil if baking.
  12. 12Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, or fry until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork offers cost savings.

empanada dough

Healthier: whole wheat dough

Cheaper: store-bought dough

Whole wheat adds fiber, while store-bought saves time.

olives

Healthier: capers

Cheaper: pickles

Capers provide a similar briny flavor, while pickles are often less expensive.

hard-boiled eggs

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: none

Tofu can mimic the texture and add protein.

Techniques

sautéingbakingfrying

Equipment

skilletbaking sheetrolling pincutting boardknifemixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutenegg

Also Known As

Empanadas de CarneEmpanadas

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. 2Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. 3Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. 4In a bowl, combine the diced mozzarella, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. 5On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into circles (about 4 inches in diameter).
  6. 6Place a spoonful of the cheese and tomato mixture in the center of each circle.
  7. 7Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  8. 8Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg.
  9. 9Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowlrolling pinbaking sheetparchment paperfork

Empanadas are a beloved snack in the Philippines, often filled with a variety of ingredients. The ham and cheese version is particularly popular, combining savory flavors with a crispy crust. Traditionally enjoyed during celebrations or as a quick snack, these empanadas reflect the Filipino love for hearty, comforting food. Today, they are commonly found in bakeries and street food stalls across the country, showcasing the fusion of local and Spanish culinary influences.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • butter
  • salt
  • water
  • ham
  • cheese
  • onion
  • garlic
  • black pepper
  • egg
  • milk
  • parsley
  • paprika
  • vinegar
  • sugar

Instructions

  1. 1Mix flour and salt in a bowl.
  2. 2Cut butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. 3Add water gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. 4Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. 5Sauté onion and garlic in a pan until translucent.
  6. 6Add ham and cook until heated through.
  7. 7Stir in cheese, parsley, paprika, and black pepper; mix well.
  8. 8Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick.
  9. 9Cut circles from the dough using a cutter or glass.
  10. 10Place a spoonful of the filling on one half of each circle.
  11. 11Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges with a fork.
  12. 12Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  13. 13Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  14. 14Alternatively, deep-fry in hot oil until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

ham

Healthier: turkey ham

Cheaper: bologna

Turkey ham is leaner, while bologna is generally less expensive.

Techniques

mixingsautéingrollingbakingfrying

Equipment

mixing bowlrolling pincutting boardfrying panbaking sheetovenfork
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Empanadas de Jamón y QuesoEmpanadas de JamónCheese Empanadas

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