Beef Empanadas

 Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup pitted green olives, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)

Instructions:

For the Dough:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

For the Filling:

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
   • Add the minced garlic, ground beef, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through.
   • Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers, chopped olives, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and raisins (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
   • Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Assembling the Empanadas:

3. Preheat and Prepare:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.

4. Roll Out the Dough:

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
   • Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles from the dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.

5. Fill and Seal:

   • Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
   • Press the edges together to seal the empanada. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

6. Egg Wash:

   • In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water.
   • Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color when baked.

7. Bake:

   • Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

8. Serve:

   • Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Enjoy your homemade beef empanadas as a delicious appetizer, snack, or main dish.

These beef empanadas are perfect for any occasion and can be customized with your favorite fillings. Serve them with salsa or chimichurri sauce for an extra burst of flavor.