ADVERTISEMENT
# **How to Make Fried Meat Pie (Empanadas): A Delicious Recipe for Crispy Perfection**
In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and **delicious recipe** for making homemade fried meat pies. The best part? These empanadas are easy to prepare and full of flavor!
—
Empanadas are traditional turnovers that originated in **Spain** and have since become popular in **Latin America**, **South America**, and other parts of the world. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish word **”empanar,”** meaning “to coat with bread,” referring to the dough that surrounds the filling.
These turnovers can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as **beef**, **chicken**, **pork**, or **cheese**, and they can be baked or fried. In this recipe, we’ll focus on making **fried empanadas**, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
## **Ingredients for Fried Meat Pie (Empanadas)**
### For the filling:
– **1 lb (450g) ground beef** (or your choice of meat, such as chicken or pork)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon ground cumin**
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **½ teaspoon chili powder** (optional for heat)
– **½ teaspoon ground black pepper**
– **Salt**, to taste
– **1 small bell pepper**, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/4 cup green olives**, chopped (optional, for a tangy twist)
– **1/4 cup raisins** (optional, for sweetness)
– **2 hard-boiled eggs**, chopped (optional, for extra texture)
– **Vegetable oil**, for frying
## **How to Make Fried Meat Pie (Empanadas)**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine **flour**, **salt**, and **baking powder**.
2. Add the **vegetable oil** and **egg**, mixing them into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add **water** and **vinegar** (if using) a little at a time, kneading until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft and slightly elastic. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least **30 minutes**. This resting period will help relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.
### **Step 2: Make the Filling**
1. While the dough is resting, heat a **large skillet** over medium heat. Add a little **oil** and sauté the **onion** and **garlic** until they become soft and fragrant, about **3-4 minutes**.
2. Add the **ground beef** to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the **cumin**, **paprika**, **chili powder**, **black pepper**, and **salt**. Mix well to coat the meat with the spices.
4. Add the **bell pepper**, **olives**, **raisins**, and **chopped hard-boiled eggs** (if using). Stir to combine everything and cook for an additional **2-3 minutes**. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
—
—
