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

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.

Questions

Can I make Empanadas Colombianas dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 6 tbsp butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Can I make Empanadas Colombianas gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry 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.

Can I make Empanadas Colombianas ahead?

Yes, it takes well to being made ahead. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Empanadas Colombianas?

Yes. As written it serves 12. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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