Sweet meat empanaditas

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level: Medium

Introduction:

Sweet Meat Empanaditas are a delicious and unique variation of traditional empanadas, a beloved pastry from Latin American cuisine. These empanaditas (small empanadas) have a savory-sweet filling that’s a blend of spiced ground meat, dried fruits, and a touch of sugar. The combination of the tender, slightly sweet dough and the rich, flavorful filling makes these little pockets of goodness irresistible. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or dessert, Sweet Meat Empanaditas are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a special treat at home, these empanaditas offer the perfect balance of savory and sweet with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. The spiced meat filling, paired with the sweetness of dried fruits, creates a well-rounded taste that is unexpected yet absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

• 1 large egg (for the dough)

• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

• 1 tablespoon vinegar (optional, helps with flakiness)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a mix of both)

• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup raisins or sultanas (optional but recommended for sweetness)

• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped into small pieces (optional for extra sweetness)

• 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (for a savory contrast)

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• Salt to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

• 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• 1 tablespoon vinegar (for a tangy contrast)

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the dough)

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls

• Skillet or frying pan

• Rolling pin

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper or silicone mat

• Pastry brush

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preparing the dough for the empanaditas. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key to a flaky dough is to ensure the butter stays cold.

Next, create a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the egg, ice water, and vinegar. Use a fork to mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a dough ball. Knead the dough briefly on a lightly floured surface until smooth, but don’t overwork it.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough chills, make the savory-sweet meat filling. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.

Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through (about 7-10 minutes). Stir in the raisins, dried apricots, and green olives, allowing them to soften in the pan with the meat.

Season the mixture with cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to coat the meat and fruits in the spices. Add the sugar and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture starts to caramelize slightly.

Pour in the broth and vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces and the filling becomes thick. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed. If you like a little more tang, you can add more vinegar.

Once the mixture is cooked and the filling has cooled slightly, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley (if using). Set the filling aside to cool completely before using it to fill the dough.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (such as a glass or biscuit cutter) to cut out small circles, about 3 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 12-15 circles, depending on the size of your cutter.

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Empanaditas

Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle, making sure not to overfill. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use your fingers or a fork to press the edges together, sealing them tightly. You can also crimp the edges to create a decorative finish.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanaditas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Brush the tops of each empanadita with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.

Step 6: Bake the Empanaditas

Bake the empanaditas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to ensure they don’t over-brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the empanaditas are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These little pockets are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a simple tomato salsa or a mild chili sauce.

Serve these sweet meat empanaditas as an appetizer, a snack, or even as part of a larger meal. Their unique combination of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors will surely make them a favorite!

Tips for Success:

• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding other dried fruits like figs or dates, or by adjusting the spices to suit your taste. You can also substitute the ground meat with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

• Make Ahead: You can make the empanaditas ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply arrange the unbaked empanaditas on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Crispiness: For an even crispier crust, brush the empanaditas with a bit of melted butter right after they come out of the oven.

Nutrition Information (Per Empanadita):

• Calories: 200 kcal

• Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 150mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 22g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 6g

Conclusion:

Sweet Meat Empanaditas are the perfect fusion of sweet and savory flavors, wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something different, these empanaditas will impress your guests with their unique flavor profile. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them a treat that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Enjoy these delicious little pockets of joy, and buon appetito!