colombian empanadas
Just about every culture has a variation of a meat pie. For example, Jamaican Beef Patties, Cornish Pasties, Chinese Pork Buns, Mediterranean Pide (Pita), and in the US Pot Pie. Even within a region or country the ingredients vary widely. This recipe is one version that my husband likes.
prep time
30 Min
cook time
40 Min
method
Deep Fry
yield
20 serving(s)
Ingredients
- DOUGH
- 2 cups precooked yellow cornmeal (masarepa)
- 3 cups hot water
- 1 tablespoon sazon goya with azafran (3 packets), optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- FILLING
- 2 cups white potatoes, peeled and cut into small dice
- 1 - chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped tomato
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sazon goya (1 packet)
How To Make colombian empanadas
-
Step 1Measure the masarepa into a large bowl, add the sazon, if using, and salt, and mix well. Add water and mix to form a dough (it will be a bit wet and rubbery). Let stand while preparing the filling.
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Step 2Meanwhile, cook the potatoes with water and the bouillon until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain, mash lightly, and set aside.
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Step 3In a large, heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil; add onion, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, bell pepper, and cilantro. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down, about 15 minutes. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, cumin, and sazon. Cook, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and fairly dry.
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Step 4Stir in the potatoes and mix well.
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Step 5Heat at least 2-inches of oil over medium high heat.
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Step 6Break off a golf ball sized section of the dough (1.5 ounces) and with your hands, roll it into a ball. Place between plastic wrap and flatten, with the heel of your palm, into a 6-inch disc. Peel away the plastic from the top only and scoop the bottom plastic and the disc into your palm. Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling in the center, then fold the disc and pinch the ends closed. Slighly flatten to distribute filling. Do the same with the remaining dough and filling.
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Step 7With a slotted spoon, gently lower the empanada into the hot oil and cook 2 minutes, turning about halfway through. Drain on paper toweling. You'll need to cook these in batches.
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Step 8Serve warm or at room temperature with Aji or Avocado Sauce, and/or lime wedges.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Category:
Meat Appetizers
Keyword:
#meat pie
Keyword:
#hand pie
Keyword:
#Colombia
Ingredient:
Beef
Method:
Deep Fry
Culture:
Latin American
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