Empanadas Colombianas

Name: Empanadas Colombianas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 6 tbsp butter; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup warm water; 1/2 lb ground beef; 2 medium potato, diced small; 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp ground cumin; 1/8 tsp black pepper; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Golden, crispy pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and onions. A beloved Colombian street food and appetizer.

55 minMediumServes 12280 cal/serving

ColombianAppetizerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 lb ground beef
2 medium potato, diced small
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1

Make the dough: mix 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 6 tbsp butter in a bowl until breadcrumb-like, then add 1/2 cup warm water until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly and let rest 15 minutes.
2

Prepare the filling: cook 1/2 lb ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add 2 medium diced small potato, 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion, and 2 cloves minced garlic, cooking until potatoes are tender, about 8 minutes.
3

Season the filling with 1/4 tsp ground cumin and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Let cool slightly.
4

Divide dough into 12 pieces. Roll each thin between plastic wrap. Place 2 tbsp filling on one half, fold to create a crescent, and seal edges with a fork.
5

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry empanadas 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6

Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

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Questions

What is Empanadas Colombianas?

Golden, crispy pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and onions. A beloved Colombian street food and appetizer. This reference files it under Colombian appetizer: made on the stovetop, rated medium and about 55 minutes start to finish.

How long does Empanadas Colombianas take?

As written, 55 minutes: 30 of prep and 25 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 1 (15 minutes): "Knead briefly and let rest 15 minutes."

How hot should the oil be for Empanadas Colombianas?

For Empanadas Colombianas, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 5. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

Why rest the meat in Empanadas Colombianas?

Step 1 reads: "Knead briefly and let rest 15 minutes." Heat drives the juices toward the center. The rest in step 1 lets them spread back out, so they stay in the meat instead of running onto the board when you cut.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Empanadas Colombianas?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Empanadas Colombianas uses 1/2 lb ground beef.

Can I make Empanadas Colombianas gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Empanadas Colombianas is 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

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