Traditional Venezuelan Empanadas
A classic Venezuelan dish filled with a mix of beef, onions, and spices, wrapped in a crispy pastry. This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or light meal.
Ingredients
- ●1 pound Ground beef80/20 lean to fat ratio
- ●1 medium Onionchopped
- ●3 cloves Garlicminced
- ●1 teaspoon Saltto taste
- ●1/2 teaspoon Black pepperto taste
- ●1/2 teaspoon Cuminto taste
- ●1 package Empanada doughhomemade or store-bought
- ●1/2 cup Fermented cheeseshredded, optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- 4
Add the salt, black pepper, and cumin to the skillet and stir to combine.
- 5
Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- 6
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
- 7
Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles of dough.
- 8
Place a tablespoon or two of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle.
- 9
Fold the dough in half over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
- 10
Brush the tops of the empanadas with a little water and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 11
If using, sprinkle shredded fermented cheese on top of the empanadas during the last 2 minutes of baking.