Authentic Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas

Name: Authentic Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Lard or unsalted butter, chilled and diced; Salt; Cold water; Beef sirloin, finely hand-chopped; Olive oil; Large onions, finely diced; Red bell pepper, diced; Hard-boiled eggs, chopped; Smoked paprika; Ground cumin; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Egg (for egg wash)

Traditional hand-cut beef empanadas with a rich, savory filling

Discover the taste of Argentina with these classic empanadas featuring a flavorful beef filling and flakey pastry.

2 h 45 min
8
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Dough

All-purpose flour

4 cups

Lard or unsalted butter, chilled and diced

¾ cup

Salt

1 teaspoon

Cold water

1 cup

For the Beef Filling

Beef sirloin, finely hand-chopped

500g

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Large onions, finely diced

Red bell pepper, diced

Hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Smoked paprika

1 teaspoon

Ground cumin

1 teaspoon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

to taste

For the Pastry Assembly

Egg (for egg wash)

1, beaten

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine Spices and Beef

Mix the hand-chopped beef with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.

Chill the Beef

Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Stir to Coat

Stir occasionally to evenly coat the beef.

Preparing the Dough

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.

Incorporate Fat

Add diced lard or butter, mixing until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Form the Dough

Gradually add cold water, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

Do not overwork the dough to avoid toughening. Chill the dough and filling separately for ease when shaping the empanadas.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, cook onions and bell peppers until softened.

Cooking the Beef

Add marinated beef to the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked. Mix in the chopped eggs and allow to cool.

Assembling the Empanadas

Roll out the dough, cut circles, and fill with beef mixture. Fold and seal with a fork. Brush with egg wash.

Bake at 375°F (190°C). Dough resting: 30 min; Filling cooking: 15 min; Assembly and baking: 2 h.

Plating & Serving