In the bustling tapestry of culinary wonders, few delights possess the charisma to captivate both the heart and the palate. One such gem is the Beef Empanada – a tantalizing convergence of flavors encased in a delicate pastry. As you embark on this culinary journey, prepare to dance with the sumptuous symphony of spices, savory beef, and the crispy embrace of golden pastry. Each bite is a voyage to distant lands, a testament to the artistry that resides within the heart of a kitchen.
Ingredients: A Melody of Flavors Beckons
Beneath the starlit canvas of your kitchen, gather the following ingredients for this symphony of taste:
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup cold water
- For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup green olives, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ cup raisins
Step by Step: Dancing into Culinary Bliss
With your ensemble of ingredients ready, let’s embark on the mesmerizing choreography of crafting Beef Empanadas:
1. Preparing the Filling:
- In a pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Let the spices intertwine with the beef’s essence.
- Toss in the chopped green olives, hard-boiled eggs, and raisins. Allow the ingredients to waltz together for a few minutes. The aroma will weave stories of far-off lands.
2. Crafting the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Blend in the cold, cubed butter using your fingertips, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water and knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. Let it rest, covered, for about 20 minutes.
3. Assembling the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface. Cut out circles of about 5-6 inches in diameter – these will be the delightful casings for your filling.
4. The Culmination: A Harmonious Bake
- Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle.
- Gently fold the other half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
5. The Crescendo: A Golden Finish
- Arrange your delicate creations on a baking sheet. Brush the empanadas with an egg wash for a glorious, golden hue.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden and the aroma envelops your kitchen.
In this symphony of flavors and aromas, the Beef Empanada stands not just as a dish but as a testament to the artistry of combining ingredients into a harmonious whole. Each bite carries the history of cultures, the passion of cooking, and the sheer joy of savoring a masterpiece. So, indulge in this culinary tango, for it is more than just a meal – it is an experience crafted with love and served with a symphony of flavors.
