Beef and Cheese Pastry (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Buttery Pastry
01 -
1 large egg, whisked
02 -
2 cups (250g) plain flour
03 -
1/2 teaspoon table salt
04 -
1/4 cup (60ml) chilled water
05 -
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Tasty Filling
06 -
1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar
07 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
08 -
1/2 pound (225g) minced beef
09 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 -
1/2 small onion, diced finely
11 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
13 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 -
1/4 teaspoon chili powder, if you like a little heat
15 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
16 -
1/2 teaspoon table salt
17 -
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped fresh
18 -
1/4 cup (30g) green olives, chopped – optional
→ For Assembly
19 -
1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water for the glaze
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, stir the salt into the flour. Toss in the cold butter and break it up with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Pour in the egg and chilled water, stirring until it clumps together. Add a little more water if it seems dry. Quickly knead, roll into a ball, wrap with cling film, and chill for 30+ minutes.
02 -
Warm olive oil in a frying pan, cooking the onion and garlic until softened. Stir in the minced meat and sauté until browned. Drain off any grease, then mix in seasonings and tomato paste, cooking for a minute or two. Remove from heat, then fold in cheese, parsley, and olives if preferred. Let it cool a bit.
03 -
On a floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into circles (4-5 inch in size). Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one side of each circle, fold over the other half, and press the edges with a fork for sealing. Coat with egg wash.
04 -
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the empanadas on top, and pop them into a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. They're done when golden and firm. Let them cool slightly before eating.
# Notes:
01 -
They can be frozen uncooked for up to 3 months.
02 -
If in a rush, swap for pre-made pastry dough.
03 -
Fry instead of baking: fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes per side.