Uruguayan Beef Empanadas
A classic Uruguayan dish featuring flaky pastry pockets filled with spicy beef and onions. A great snack or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- ●1 pound Uruguayan beef
- ●1 medium OnionChopped
- ●3 cloves GarlicMinced
- ●2 Ancho chili peppersDiced
- ●1 teaspoon Cumin
- ●1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- ●1/2 teaspoon Salt
- ●1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- ●2 packages Empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
- ●1/4 cup Fermented cheese (optional)Shredded
Instructions
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1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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2. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
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3. Add the onion, garlic, ancho chili peppers, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
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4. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
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5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
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6. Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough. You should be able to get about 12-15 circles.
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7. Place a tablespoon or two of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle.
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8. Brush the edges of the dough with a little water, then fold the dough in half to form a half-circle.
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9. Press the edges together to seal the empanada, then use a fork to crimp the edges.
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10. Brush the tops of the empanadas with a little bit of oil, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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11. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
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12. Serve the empanadas hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fermented cheese if desired.