Peggys Peruvian Empanadas Recipes

VENEZUELAN EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Make the filling: Place the beef, bay leaves, 1 tablespoon salt and water to cover in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until the meat is almost falling apart, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Transfer the meat to a bowl and shred with a fork; cool. Reserve the broth.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic and shallot; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the scallion, paprika, sazon completa, oregano, cumin and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and 1 cup of the reserved broth and cook over medium heat until thick, about 10 minutes. Season with salt.
• Make the dough: Mix 3 1/2 cups hot water, the sugar, vegetable oil, butter and salt in a medium bowl until the butter melts. Stir in the cornmeal and flour until a soft dough forms, then knead on a clean surface until the dough comes together. Shape into 12 balls, using about 1/2 cup dough for each.
• One at a time, sprinkle each dough ball with water, place between two pieces of lightly oiled heavy-duty plastic wrap (a cut resealable bag works well) and roll into a 7-inch circle. Remove the top sheet of plastic and place 2 to 3 tablespoons filling in the center of the dough. Use the bottom piece of
• plastic to fold the dough in half over the filling and press to seal. Trim into a half-moon shape with a knife or press down with the round edge of a bowl. Remove the plastic and place the empanada on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet until a deep-fry thermometer registers 365 degrees F. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet; keep warm in the oven.
• Make the sauce: Combine the cilantro, olive oil, avocado, bell pepper, scallion, vinegar and garlic in a blender. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons pepper and puree until smooth. Thin out the sauce with up to 1/4 cup water and serve with the empanadas.

EMPANADA FILLING

Steps:

• Stir flour into water in a small bowl until dissolved.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and saute onion in oil until softened, about 5 minutes; add ground beef, olives, cumin, and paprika. Cook and stir the beef mixture until the beef is completely browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
• Pour flour-water mixture into the beef and stir to coat evenly. Add raisins, stir, and cook until the raisins are plump, about 5 minutes. Fold eggs into the beef mixture; season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool before using to fill empanadas.

BRAZILIAN EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Sift together the flour, salt, and turmeric.
• Work in the butter and shortening until it has a cornmeal-like consistency.
• Add the egg and the beer, and work until incorporated.
• Cover with a wet towel, and rest for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, saute the onion, tomatoes, and hearts of palm in butter for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft.
• Deglaze with the sherry.
• Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper. Let cool to room temperature.
• Preheat oil to 350°F.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten into rounds approximately 3-inches in diameter.
• Spoon 1 tablespoon of stuffing onto each round, fold the dough in half, brush edges with egg yolk, and pinch to seal.
• Fry the empanadas for 4 minutes.