Have you ever wanted to experience the unique flavors of Argentina in the comfort of your own home? Look no further than the Argentine empanada! This popular South American dish packs a punch in terms of flavor and is a cinch to prepare. In this article, we’ll take you through an authentic Argentine empanada recipe and guide you in making your very own.
What Are Empanadas?
Empanadas are a type of pastry stuffed with various fillings and then folded into a semicircular shape. They are an incredibly versatile dish, as empanadas can be made with an almost endless array of ingredients including meat, vegetables, cheese and even fruit. Empanadas are popular throughout Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines, and are regarded as staples in Argentine cuisine.
A Brief History of The Empanada
The exact origins of the empanada as a dish are still contested, but they are thought to have first originated in the Middle East during the early 9th Century, making their way into the Spanish Peninsula with the Moors a few hundred years later. From there, empanadas were brought to the colonies of the Americas, and have been an integral part of Latin American cuisine ever since. In Argentina, they are said to have been brought over during the time of the Spanish conquistadors and became a staple of native Argentine cuisine.
Ingredients for Authentic Argentine Empanada
In order to make authentic Argentine empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Empanada Dough:
3 cups of all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup of shortening
1 egg
3 tablespoons of cold water
Filling:
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 pound of ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 hardboiled eggs
10 green olives
5 cups of vegetable oil for frying
Instructions for authentic Argentine empanadas
1. Make the Empanada Dough
To make the empanada dough, in a large bowl sift the flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the cold water to it. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and knead until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, and wrap it in plastic. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the onion, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until the onions are soft. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the filling to cool completely. Once cool, stir in the hardboiled eggs and green olives.
3. Assemble and Bake the Empanadas
Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to a ⅛ inch thickness. Using a cutter or a small bowl, cut out circles of the dough that are 5 inches in diameter. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each dough round and fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal. Crimp the edges of each empanada with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the empanadas with vegetable oil and bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
Serving and Storing Authentic Argentine Empanadas
Once the empanadas are done baking, allow them to cool slightly before serving. Empanadas are typically served with chimichurri, a tangy herb and garlic sauce. You can also enjoy them with a side of rice or salad. If you have any leftover empanadas, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
Making authentic Argentine empanadas is a great way to experience the unique flavors of Argentina in a healthier, homemade way. With the right ingredients and a little bit of practice, you can easily make a batch of delicious empanadas to enjoy with your family and friends. So, go ahead and give our authentic Argentine empanada recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
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