Beef & Olive Empanaditas

By pattie_d

Ingredients

• Prep: 1 hour
• Bake: 15 minutes
• 6 ounces lean ground beef
• 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons golden raisins
• 1 recipe Empanadita Pastry
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of water

Preparation

Step 1

1. For filling, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic until beef is brown. Drain off fat. Stir in cumin and red pepper. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in olives, tomato sauce, and raisins. Set aside.

2. Place 1 rounded teaspoon of the filling in the center of each dough round. Moisten edge with water; fold in half, sealing edge with tines of a fork. Prick dough several times. Place on ungreased baking sheet.

3. Stir together the egg and water; brush onto empanaditas. Bake in a 425F oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden. Makes 36 empanaditas.

4. Empanadita Pastry: For pastry, in a large bowl, stir together 3 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 3/4 cup shortening until mixture resembles cornmeal. Add 1/2 cup milk and 1 beaten egg; stir until mixed.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead for 10 to 12 strokes. Divide dough in half. Roll one portion of the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch rounds; re-roll scraps and cut enough additional rounds to make 18 total. Repeat with the remaining dough portion.

5. Make-Ahead: Prepare as directed except do not bake. Place empanaditas in a single layer on a baking sheet; freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer container. Seal, label, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To serve, line a baking sheet with foil; coat with nonstick cooking spray. Place frozen empanaditas on prepared baking sheet. Bake, uncovered, in a 350F oven about 30 minutes or until golden.

nutrition facts
Calories 91, Total Fat (g) 5, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 15, Sodium (mg) 73, Carbohydrate (g) 8, Fiber (g) 0, Protein (g) 2, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet