Do you know the recipe for making Argentine empanadas? It’s super simple, so anyone can make them.
It’s one of the most iconic dishes in Latin America, made with a wheat dough and various fillings. The most popular filling is ground beef with hard-boiled eggs, olives, onions, and spices. But they are all delicious.
The best part? You don’t need to be from the southern country to achieve that authentic flavor that is so beloved worldwide.
If you’re a fan of this dish, you’ve likely tried the succulent combinations and know how good they are.
Keep reading to learn how to make your ideal filling and the wheat-based dough for these spectacular pastries.
Table of contents
How to Prepare the Dough for Argentine Empanadas
While you can buy them ready-made at the supermarket, making your own dough gives the empanadas an irreplaceable homemade taste.
To prepare it, you only need five ingredients: flour, salt, eggs, butter, and a little water.
Add 3 cups of wheat flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt to a large bowl and mix to combine.
Then, add one egg and 6 ounces of unsalted butter in cubes, stir, and gradually pour in ¼ cup of hot water.
Knead with your hands or a food processor until smooth and elastic, then form a ball of dough.
Refrigerate wrapped in plastic wrap until ready to use. When ready, roll it out on a floured surface.
It should be about ⅛ inch thick. Cut out the discs with a round cutter and fill them as you like.
This Is the Best Recipe for Preparing Argentine Empanadas
Did you know you can customize your recipe for making Argentine empanadas? Yes, the best one is the one you choose.
You have the freedom to fill them with your favorite ingredients, whether it’s meat, vegetables, cheese, or whatever you want to use up from your fridge.
However, there are very popular and irresistible fillings that you should try if you haven’t already.
For example, beef, chicken, bacon and egg, ham and cheese, or tuna. Any of them could become your favorite.
Even if you’re in the mood for something sweet, there are preparations that perfectly combine, like apple with cinnamon and sugar.
Imagine this filling inside your empanada to eat warm as a dessert. Delicious! Does that sound tempting?
Anyway, here are some famous and tasty traditional ideas for you to enjoy.
Beef-Filled Empanadas
Of all the versions of Argentine pastries, this is the favorite of most people. Want to win everyone over at the table? Then, prepare this one.
Ingredients
- 1 kg of ground beef
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 onions
- 1 chopped tomato
- 3 hard-boiled eggs in slices
- 3 tbsp of oil
- 2 tbsp of cumin
- 1 tbsp of paprika
- 2 tsp of oregano
- 1 tbsp of chili powder
- ¼ tsp of black pepper
- ½ tsp of garlic powder
- ½ tsp of salt
- ½ cup of green olives
- ½ cup of raisins
- 2 egg whites
- Empanada dough
Step by Step
Sauté the onions and bell pepper until translucent and tender. Add the meat along with the spices, salt, and pepper.
Stir and cook for about 5 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes and let them cook for 2 more minutes.
Once ready, transfer the meat mixture to a bowl, and when it cools down, assemble your empanadas.
Place a portion of the meat mixture on the dough circle, along with a slice of egg, olives, and raisins as desired. Fold, crimp the edges, and seal with the egg whites.
Pumpkin and Cheese Empanadas
This recipe for making Argentine empanadas will fascinate you because it’s incredibly easy to make at home, and the filling is spectacular.
Ingredients
- Empanada dough
- 400 g of pumpkin
- 60 g of cheese
- 1 tbsp of mustard
- 1 tsp of nutmeg
- 1 tsp of aromatic herbs
- A pinch of pepper
- 1 egg
Step by Step
Start by cooking the pumpkin cut into cubes. To do this, boil it for about 20 minutes.
You’ll see that it easily breaks apart when pierced with a fork. This is the right moment to remove from the heat and drain the absorbed liquid.
Mash and season with spices until it forms a puree. Take a spoonful and place it on the dough disc.
Add a piece of cheese in the center and close it, shaping it as you like. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 20 minutes at 220° C.
You’ll fall in love with your preparation when you taste it, as the combination of the dough with this filling is truly exquisite.
Corn Empanadas
If you’re looking for a light option for your lunches or dinners, this is perfect. Its corn filling is subtly creamy and has an incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cans of corn or 3 fresh ears
- 400 ml of milk
- 300 g of mozzarella cheese
- 1 onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 2 tbsp of oil
- 3 tbsp of flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dough discs
Step by Step
Cook the corn (if fresh) in boiling water until tender and juicy. Then, remove the kernels with a knife and set aside
Finely chop the onion and bell pepper and sauté in hot oil over low heat. When they become translucent, add the flour.
Stir to combine and slowly add the milk, making sure to mix well. Cook a few more minutes to achieve a creamy texture.
Once achieved, incorporate the corn, cubed mozzarella, and other ingredients. Let cool to fill the dough discs, then bake or fry.
Onion and Cheese Empanadas
This is another exquisite recipe that combines fresh onions sliced into julienne strips and gently sautéed in butter with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 onions
- 20 g of butter
- 1 tsp of sugar
- 1 tbsp of oregano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Mozzarella cheese
- Empanada dough
Step by Step
Place the butter in a pan to melt, then add the julienned onions and salt to taste
Cover and cook until the onions reduce in size and become translucent.
To soften the flavor a bit, add the teaspoon of sugar. Additionally, add the oregano and ground pepper.
Stir and continue cooking for a few more minutes until slightly golden. Once ready, let cool.
Fill your empanada dough with the onions, and in the middle, place some cheese strips. Seal with your preferred crimping method, then bake or fry. Enjoy.
Baked or Fried Empanadas?
Either cooking method you choose is good since you’ll get a delicious result that will surprise everyone.
Argentines make them both ways, but it’s a matter of taste. If you want them less greasy, it’s better to bake them.
The process is simple in both cases. To bake, place your empanadas on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Brush the dough with egg to achieve the golden color that makes them more appealing. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 375° F.
If you decide to fry them, do so in a generous amount of hot oil. Flip to brown on both sides and achieve a crispy texture.
It’s recommended to refrigerate them for about 20 minutes before frying so that the dough hardens and they keep their perfect shape.
Tips for Preparing Argentine Empanadas
If you’re making this dish for the first time, you’ll need to know the tricks to make it delicious. Here are some valuable tips.
- Mix the flour with hot water and butter to prevent your dough from cracking. If you want it flaky, add beef fat.
- Knead everything carefully to achieve the perfect texture: smooth, soft, and manageable.
- To make your empanadas crispier, sprinkle the dough with a little cornstarch.
- If you make different fillings, create different crimping styles to easily identify them.
- Start preparing your filling by melting beef fat in the pot. It will enhance the flavor of the meat.
- Grease the tray where you’ll place the empanadas to ensure they don’t stick and get ruined.
- Give your dough a more golden touch by brushing it with egg and a pinch of turmeric before baking.
Conclusion
The recipe for making Argentine empanadas is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. It doesn’t take too much time either.
Moreover, it’s economical, as it doesn’t require many ingredients to enjoy it. In fact, they are very basic.
You can enjoy this delicious option at any time of the day: breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Even as the final touch to your snack.
And share this gastronomic experience with your family and friends. Whether in a casual or special gathering.
You’ve seen that they’re made with different types of fillings. Choose your favorite to enjoy them baked or fried, however you like.
Dare to delight everyone by preparing this famous international dish in the comfort of your home. You’ll see how gratifying it is.