Savory Delight: Beef Empanadas with Olives and Raisins Recipe

Empanadas are a beloved staple in many cultures, particularly in Latin America and Spain. These savory pastries, filled with a variety of ingredients, offer a delightful culinary experience. This recipe focuses on a classic and flavorful combination: beef, olives, and raisins. The rich, savory beef filling, punctuated by the briny olives and sweet raisins, creates a unique and satisfying taste that is sure to impress. This recipe provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through creating these delicious empanadas from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this guide easy to follow and the results rewarding.

Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will streamline the cooking process and ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips.

For the Dough:

* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/2 cup cold shortening, cut into small pieces
* 1/2 cup ice water
* 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
* 1/4 cup raisins
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

Equipment

* Large bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife
* Large skillet
* Wooden spoon or spatula
* Rolling pin
* 4-inch round cookie cutter or bowl
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly delicious beef empanadas with olives and raisins.

Making the Dough:

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. **Cut in the Butter and Shortening:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter and shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s crucial that the butter and shortening are cold to create a flaky crust. Avoid overworking the dough, as this will result in a tough crust.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will make the dough sticky. The amount of water needed may vary depending on the humidity.
4. **Form the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently form it into a disk. Wrap the disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1 hour. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Preparing the Filling:

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the filling bitter.
2. **Brown the Beef:** Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Draining the fat is important for preventing greasy empanadas.
3. **Add Bell Pepper and Spices:** Add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This allows the spices to bloom and release their full flavor.
4. **Add Remaining Ingredients:** Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, olives, and raisins. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the filling has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The filling should be moist but not overly wet. Excess moisture can make the empanadas soggy.
5. **Cool the Filling:** Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely. Cooling the filling is essential to prevent the dough from melting when you assemble the empanadas.

Assembling the Empanadas:

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the empanadas from sticking to the baking sheet.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cookie cutter or bowl to cut out circles. You should be able to get about 20-24 circles from the dough.
3. **Fill the Empanadas:** Place a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Avoid overfilling the empanadas, as this can make them difficult to seal and cause them to burst during baking.
4. **Fold and Seal:** Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to ensure a tight seal. A well-sealed empanada will prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
5. **Egg Wash:** Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg. This will give them a golden-brown color and a glossy finish.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.

Tips and Variations

* **Make Ahead:** The dough and filling can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This is a great way to break up the work and make the process more manageable.
* **Freezing:** Assembled empanadas can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your preference.
* **Other Meats:** Substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey. Adjust cooking times as needed.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a mixture of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Different Olives:** Experiment with different types of olives, such as Kalamata or Manzanilla, for a unique flavor.
* **Add Potatoes:** Incorporate small diced potatoes into the filling for added heartiness.
* **Herb Variations:** Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the filling for a brighter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Beef empanadas with olives and raisins are delicious served warm as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **With a Dipping Sauce:** Serve with a side of chimichurri sauce, salsa, or a creamy avocado dip.
* **As Part of a Tapas Platter:** Include them on a tapas platter with other Spanish or Latin American-inspired dishes.
* **With a Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
* **As Party Food:** These empanadas are perfect for parties and gatherings. They are easy to eat and can be made ahead of time.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per empanada)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 10-12g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

These beef empanadas with olives and raisins offer a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The flaky crust, the rich beef filling, and the burst of olives and raisins create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can easily create these delicious pastries at home. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Latin America! These empanadas are sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!