Argentinian Delight: Homemade Empanadas

Argentinian cuisine is celebrated for its bold and savory flavors, and one of its most cherished dishes is Empanadas. These delicious hand-held pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as seasoned meats, cheese, and vegetables, and they make for a perfect snack or meal. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create your own Homemade Empanadas, allowing you to savor the authentic taste of Argentina in your own kitchen.

**Ingredients**:

*For the Empanada Dough*:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of cold water

*For the Empanada Filling*:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/2 cup of green olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking

**Instructions**:

**For the Empanada Dough**:

1. In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and cold water.

3. While pulsing the flour mixture, gradually add the egg and water mixture. Continue pulsing until the dough comes together.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, knead it a few times, and shape it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

**For the Empanada Filling**:

1. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until they are soft and translucent.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until it's browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

3. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

4. Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs, green olives, and raisins. Let the filling cool.

**For Assembling Empanadas**:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.

3. Use a round cutter or a small plate to cut out circles from the dough.

4. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle.

5. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges.

**To Bake**:

1. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

**To Serve**:

1. Serve your Homemade Empanadas hot as a delightful snack or meal.

Now, you can savor the authentic taste of Argentina with your Homemade Empanadas. These hand-held pastries are a perfect representation of Argentinian cuisine and are ideal for experiencing the bold and savory flavors of Argentina in your own kitchen. ¡Buen provecho!