Empanadas recipe: A Taste of Uruguay’s Culinary Heritage

Empanadas are a beloved and iconic dish in Uruguay, cherished for their flavorful fillings, tender pastry crust, and portability. These hand-held turnovers have their roots in Spanish and Latin American cuisine and have become an integral part of Uruguay’s culinary identity. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack, a light meal, or a party appetizer, empanadas are a versatile and delicious treat that appeal to people of all ages. In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients and preparation methods for making authentic Uruguayan empanadas at home, allowing you to experience the rich flavors of Uruguay’s culinary heritage in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

1. All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the empanada dough, providing structure and texture. Use unbleached all-purpose flour for the best results.
2. Butter or Lard: Butter or lard adds richness and flavor to the dough, creating a tender and flaky crust. Make sure the butter or lard is cold and cut into small pieces before incorporating it into the flour.
3. Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the dough and helps to balance the sweetness of the filling. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
4. Water: Water is used to bring the dough together into a smooth and pliable ball. Use cold water and add it gradually until the dough reaches the right consistency.

For the Filling:

1. Ground Beef: Ground beef is a classic filling for Uruguayan empanadas, providing hearty flavor and texture. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or use a fattier blend for added richness.
2. Onion: Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling. Finely chop the onion and sauté it until softened before adding it to the ground beef.
3. Red Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds color and sweetness to the filling. Finely dice the bell pepper and sauté it with the onion and ground beef until tender.
4. Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs are a traditional addition to Uruguayan empanadas, adding richness and texture to the filling. Chop the eggs into small pieces and mix them into the ground beef mixture.
5. Green Olives: Green olives add a salty and tangy flavor to the filling, balancing out the richness of the meat and eggs. Pit the olives and chop them into small pieces before adding them to the filling.
6. Spices: Common spices used in Uruguayan empanada filling include paprika, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Adjust the spices to taste and add them to the ground beef mixture for added flavor.
7. Raisins (Optional): Some variations of Uruguayan empanadas include raisins, which add sweetness and a chewy texture to the filling. Add a handful of raisins to the ground beef mixture if desired.

Preparation:

1. Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter or lard and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture, stirring with a fork or wooden spoon until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to chill and rest.

2. Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, chopped green olives, and spices, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the flavors are well combined.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and optional raisins, if using. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. Set the filling aside to cool slightly while you roll out the dough.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
3. Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
4. Transfer the assembled empanadas to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops of the empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish, if desired.
5. Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Serve the warm empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri, salsa verde, or hot sauce.
2. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of the homemade empanadas as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, and share them with friends and family for a taste of Uruguayan culinary tradition.

Tips for Success:

• Keep the Dough Cold: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps prevent it from becoming too sticky and makes it easier to work with. If the dough becomes too warm while rolling, return it to the refrigerator to firm up before continuing.
• Don’t Overfill the Empanadas: Be careful not to overfill the empanadas, as this can cause the filling to leak out during baking. Use a spoon to measure out the filling and leave a small border around the edges to seal.
• Seal the Edges Well: Make sure to press the edges of the empanadas firmly to seal them well and prevent the filling from leaking out. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and extra security.
• Variations: Feel free to customize the filling to suit your taste preferences. You can add or omit ingredients such as raisins, olives, or spices, and experiment with different meats or vegetarian fillings to create your own unique empanada recipes.
• Serve with Dipping Sauce: Empanadas are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a flavorful dipping sauce. Try pairing them with chimichurri, salsa verde, or a spicy hot sauce for extra flavor and excitement.

In conclusion, empanadas are a cherished dish in Uruguay, celebrated for their delicious fillings, tender pastry crust, and endless versatility. By following this recipe and incorporating your own favorite ingredients and flavors, you can recreate the magic of Uruguayan empanadas in your own kitchen and enjoy the taste of Uruguay’s culinary heritage wherever you are. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade empanadas with your friends and family.