Ingredients
Scale
- For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra spice)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- For frying:
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Then, add ground beef, jalapeño, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned. Stir in chopped cilantro and set aside to cool.
- Roll out the rested dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles of dough (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter) and place about a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and then crimp with a fork for a decorative touch. Repeat with all circles.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, gently place the empanadas in the oil, frying until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes each). Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
- To store, let empanadas cool completely and place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven for added crispiness.
- Serve warm with zesty salsa, sour cream, or fresh cilantro as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Colombian
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg