Classic Cuban Empanadas

Cuban empanadas are a delicious and unique type of pastry made from a flaky and crunchy dough that is typically filled with savory meats, vegetables, and cheese. The popularity of these delicious treats has increased greatly in recent years, making them a delicious culinary delight. Making Cuban empanadas doesn’t have to be a daunting task though. This article will show you how to make delicious and authentic Cuban empanadas like an expert.

What Are Cuban Empanadas?

Cuban empanadas are a traditional pastry dating back to the Spanish conquest of the island. Empanadas are pastries that are usually filled with savory meats, vegetables, and cheese. The pastry is usually made of wheat flour, lard, butter, sugar, and salt. The dough is then often prepared with either beef, pork, or even a combination of the two. The filling is usually a mixture of ground beef, pork, vegetables, and a variety of spices such as garlic, oregano, and cumin.

Preparation and Cooking Time

The preparation time required for Cuban empanadas is about one hour and the cooking time is approximately 30 minutes. The total time required to make these delicious and unique treats is about 1.5 hours.

Ingredients

– 2 cups of all-purpose flour (240 g)
– 1 teaspoon of sugar (5 g)
– 1 teaspoon of salt (6 g)
– 1 stick of butter (113 g)
– 1/2 cup of lard (113 g)
– 1/2 cup of warm water (120 mL)

For the Filling:
– 1/2 onion, diced (50 g)
– 1 tablespoon of garlic, diced (15 g)
– 1/2 bell pepper, diced (75 g)
– 1/2 teaspoon of oregano (1.5 g)
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin (2.5 g)
– 2 tablespoons of olive or vegetable oil (30 mL)
– 2 cups of ground beef (450 g/16 oz.)
– 1/2 cup of raisins (60 g)
– 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes (75 g)
– 2 tablespoons of pitted black olives (30 g)

Optional Fillings:
– Chopped ham
– Chopped hard-boiled eggs
– Small cubes of Manchego cheese
– Chopped green olives

How to Make Perfect Cuban Empanadas

1. Start by making the dough for the empanadas. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar and salt. Cut the butter into small cubes and then add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour until it resembles a coarse meal.

2. Warm the lard to room temperature and then add it to the flour mixture. Use your hands to work the lard into the flour until everything is combined.

3. Add the warm water to the mixture and knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour.

4. Begin to prepare the filling while the dough is chilling. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook them until they are softened and lightly browned.

5. Add the bell pepper, oregano, cumin and ground beef and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Stir in the raisins, tomatoes, and olives and cook until the vegetables are tender.

6. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool before assembling your empanadas.

Assembling and Cooking the Empanadas

1. Preheat your oven to 375F/190C degrees.

2. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to a thickness of about ¼ “/ 1 cm. Use a large glass or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into eight circles.

3. Place a small spoonful of the prepared filling onto each circle and fold the circle in half. Use a fork to press down the edges of the empanada, sealing it shut.

4. Place the empanadas on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake the empanadas for about 30 minutes or until they are golden brown.

5. Serve the Cuban empanadas warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Empanadas

1. What type of pastry is used for Cuban empanadas?
Answer: Cuban empanadas are usually made from a flaky and crunchy dough made of wheat flour, lard, butter, sugar, and salt.

2. How long does it take to make Cuban empanadas?
Answer: It usually takes about 1.5 hours to prepare and cook Cuban empanadas. The preparation time is about one hour and the cooking time is about 30 minutes.

3. What is the nutritional information for Cuban empanadas?
Answer: A serving size of one Cuban empanada contains approximately 380 calories, 20 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein.

4. What other ingredients can be used in the filling for Cuban empanadas?
Answer: In addition to the standard fillings, chopped ham, hard boiled eggs, Manchego cheese, and green olives can be added for extra flavor.

5. What dipping sauce is usually served with empanadas?
Answer: Cuban empanadas are usually served with a variety of dipping sauces such as hot sauce, salsa, or a garlic aioli.

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