Turn Your Kitchen Into A Pork Empanada Paradise – Here’s How To Make Them Like A Pro!

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of homemade pork empanadas, a culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds and warms hearts. This comprehensive guide will guide you through every step of the process, empowering you to create these delectable treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Dough:
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup ice water
• For the Pork Filling:
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• For the Egg Wash:
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
• Add the butter cubes and use your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.
• Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Pork Filling:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground pork over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
• Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Cook for 5 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cilantro.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces.
• Roll out each piece of dough into a 6-inch circle.
• Place a heaping spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
• Crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

4. Brush with Egg Wash:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
• Brush the egg wash over the empanadas.

5. Bake:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas:

• Use cold ingredients when making the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Don’t overwork the dough, as this can also make it tough.
• Seal the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Bake the empanadas until they are golden brown and crispy.

Health Benefits of Pork Empanadas:

While pork empanadas are a delicious treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Ground pork is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Iron: Pork is also a good source of iron, which is important for red blood cell production.
• Vitamins: Pork contains vitamins B1, B6, and B12, which are essential for energy production and nerve function.

Empanadas Around the World:

Empanadas are a popular dish in many cultures around the world, with variations in fillings and dough recipes:

• Argentina: Empanadas filled with ground beef, onions, and hard-boiled eggs.
• Chile: Empanadas filled with ground beef, onions, and raisins.
• Mexico: Empanadas filled with ground beef, cheese, and potatoes.
• Spain: Empanadas filled with tuna, onions, and peppers.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?
A1: Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey instead of pork.

Q2: Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the empanadas and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking.

Q3: How can I store leftover empanadas?
A3: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.