Recently I made these for my daughter who was visiting from College. I always try to send her back with all her favorites and enough to share. During her last visit I made aloo pies and to change it up a bit I decided to make these empanadas. I like the idea of empanadas as it is simple to eat and can be a quick breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack whether at home, at college on on the go.
Have all the ingredients ready as they go in at the same time right after the next step.
In a wide skillet over high heat, add oil. When hot, add ground beef and brown. Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes.
Add the remainder of the ingredients and cook for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, on medium heat until the liquid has evaporated.
Taste and add more seasonings if required.
Wrap
Heat about 3 inches of oil over medium heat in a wide frying pan. If it gets too hot and you are not done wrapping, reduce the heat or take off the heat. .
Take one of the wrappers from the packaging (reseal or cover the remainder to prevent them from during out). Place on your work surface. Measure out a heaping 1/4 cup of the filling and place in the center of the wrapper. Fold into a semi circle or half moon, bringing the ends of the circle together to meet. Using a fork or other dough press, seal the edges pressing firmly. Flip and repeat if using the fork crimping method. Assemble on an oiled tray until ready to fry. You can enlist the help of other family members so that the process is quicker.
Fry
Once the wrapping is done or when you are ready to fry the amount you have already wrapped, place the wrapped dough into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan and raise heat to high or low depending on whether it is too hot or not hot enough. It should not be smoking and at the same it it should have bubbles around the empanadas signaling that it is cooking.
Once the bottom is golden brown, flip and repeat the other side until golden brown as well.
When fully cooked, drain the excess oil on the side of the pot and place on a paper towel or parchment paper lined tray.
Repeat with the remaining filled dough. Enjoy hot.