Delicious and Easy Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen where I whip up delicious food from two very different worlds – Brazilian and American. Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for Spicy Empanadas Tapas, a delectable treat that is sure to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of South America.
In my travels, I have encountered empanadas in various forms – Spanish empanadas, Venezuelan empanadas, and even an Argentinian beef empanada that left me salivating for more. After experimenting with different recipes and ingredients, I have crafted a spicy beef empanada that strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor.
Made with a crispy corn masa dough shell and filled with spicy beef, bell peppers, onions, garlic, green olives, smoked paprika, and tomato sauce, these spicy empanadas are definitely not for the faint of heart. But trust me when I say that every bite is worth every bit of fire.
Whether you are serving these as a snack at a party or as part of a meal, these tapas will surely impress your guests. So grab your apron and let’s get started on this exciting culinary journey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and spicy snack that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than these mouth-watering Spicy Empanadas Tapas! This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the bold and complex flavors of traditional Latin American cuisine, with a spicy twist.
What makes this recipe so amazing? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. You can make it with ground beef or even homemade sausage, depending on your preference. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try it with some chicken?
But what really sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of ingredients. Juicy tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and earthy garlic cloves come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite. And don’t forget the spicy red pepper flakes and smoked paprika- they add just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.
And let’s not forget about the empanada dough itself. Made from corn masa dough, it’s crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. Plus, if you’re feeling daring, you can even make your own homemade dough for an extra-special touch.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or simply enjoy a tasty snack on a lazy afternoon, these Spicy Empanadas Tapas are sure to hit the spot. So what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking up some Latin American magic!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make these delicious spicy empanadas tapas:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 small eggs
- 1/2 cup of ice-cold water
Note: You can also use homemade or store-bought corn masa dough.
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1/2 cup chopped green olives
Optional filling ingredients to try: beef and cheese, chicken and tomato, crab
Use Goya empanada dough or puff pastry as a substitute for homemade dough. To make it more flavorful, sprinkle some cinnamon or sugar on top after baking. Don’t forget to serve it with sour cream on the side.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve got our ingredients and substitutes figured out, it’s time to get cooking! This spicy empanadas recipe is a fun and relatively easy way to expand your cooking skills. We will be preparing the dough, stuffing it with some spicy beef mixture, shaping and sealing them up, and then finishing in the oven. Here’s how it’s done:
Make the empanada dough
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 small eggs
– 1/2 cup of ice-cold water
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift two cups of flour and add 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- In another bowl, beat two small eggs and pour them into the well; also add in 1/2 cup of ice-cold water and two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Mix all these together until a dough is formed.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead for about five minutes until its smooth.
- Shape into a flat disc shape and wrap it up in plastic wrap; let it rest for at least one hour in the fridge before shaping.
Make the spicy beef stuffing
Ingredients:
– 1/2 onion chopped
– 2 cloves garlic minced
– 1 small bell pepper chopped
– 2 tomatoes diced
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
– A pinch of red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce
– Green olives (optional)
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, sauté 1/2 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in some olive oil until fragrant, then add in a small bell pepper.
- Once the veggies are soft enough to bite, add 1lb of ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of salt and chili powder, along with 1/4 teaspoon each of cumin and smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add in 2 diced tomatoes and two tablespoons of tomato sauce; stir everything together well.
- If desired, mix in some sliced green olives and shredded cheese into the mixture once its cooled down.
Shape the empanadas and bake
Ingredients:
– Empanada dough
– Spicy beef stuffing
– 1 egg beaten
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Take your rested disc of empanada dough out of the fridge and roll
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up with this spicy empanadas recipe? There are many different ingredient swaps and variations you can make to create a uniquely delicious dish.
One great option is to swap out the beef for ground chicken or turkey. This will give your empanadas a slightly lighter flavor and texture, while still maintaining that spicy kick. You could also try making homemade sausage and using that as the filling instead of ground beef. This will add a savory complexity to the dish that is hard to resist.
If you want to try something completely different, consider using crab in your empanadas. Spicy open-faced crab empanadas are a popular tapas dish in Spain, and they make for a tasty variation on this classic recipe. You could also try adding some diced green olives or roasted bell peppers for a pop of color and extra flavor.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, you can easily omit the meat and use a mixture of diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes as the filling. You could also substitute cheese for the ground beef to make cheese empanadas or go the classic route with Argentinian empanadas filled with corn masa dough.
If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, you could even experiment with alternate crusts such as baked puff pastry or goya empanada dough. No matter what substitution or variation you choose, these spicy empanadas tapas are sure to be crowd-pleasers at any gathering or dinner party.
Serving and Pairing
The Spicy Empanadas Tapas are perfect for any party or gathering. They are bite-sized and portable, making them a great appetizer to serve at any occasion. You can simply place them on a platter and let your guests help themselves.
These spicy empanadas pair well with a variety of beverages such as beer, wine or refreshing cocktails. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, try pairing them with iced tea or lemonade.
For an extra touch of authenticity, serve your empanadas with a traditional dipping sauce such as homemade chimichurri or salsa criolla. These sauces are easy to prepare and enhance the flavor of the empanadas.
If you want to take the presentation up a notch, use colorful plates and napkins that match the fillings of the empanadas. For example, green plates and napkins will complement the bell pepper filling, while red ones will go well with the tomato and beef filling.
Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or serving up some tasty snacks for your family, these Spicy Empanadas Tapas are sure to impress. With their bold flavors and eye-catching colors, they’re sure to be a hit at any party. So go ahead and add them to your next menu planning – you won’t regret it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about Spicy Empanadas Tapas Recipe is that you can make them ahead of time and store them for later. If you’re hosting a party or event, this is a perfect dish to prepare in advance. Once your empanadas are baked, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat the empanadas, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-60 seconds.
If you have leftover filling, don’t worry! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator just like the empanadas. You can use it within three days to make more empanadas or even tacos.
Another option is to freeze the uncooked empanadas and bake them at a later time. To do this, place your unbaked empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then put them in the freezer until they’re completely frozen. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
To bake frozen empanadas, remove them from the freezer and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake as directed in the recipe but add a few additional minutes to ensure they’re cooked all the way through.
With these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy these spicy empanadas tapas anytime you want!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a dish as delicious as spicy empanadas tapas, it is important to keep a few things in mind in order to get the perfect results you’re aiming for. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years that will help ensure that your empanadas come out fantastic every time.
Firstly, when making the dough, be sure to use ice-cold water. The colder the water, the better it is for making the dough flaky and tender. It also helps to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will make it easier to work with and prevent it from sticking to your hands and countertop.
When preparing the filling, don’t overstuff your empanadas. Although it may be tempting to pack them with as much filling as possible, doing so will lead to soggy bottoms and poor-quality empanadas. A good rule of thumb is to spoon just enough filling onto each circle of dough so that you can fold it over and seal it without tearing the dough or spilling out any filling.
Also, be sure to allow time for the flavors of the spices and ingredients to mingle. If possible, prepare the filling ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before assembling your empanadas. This will allow all of the flavors to fuse together and create a more delicious taste in every bite.
Another key tip is to brush the tops of your empanadas with beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water before baking them in order to give them that perfect golden brown crust. Finally, if you’d like a satisfying crunch with every bite, top off your empanadas with a pinch of sea salt or sprinkle cheese.
With these simple tips, you’re guaranteed great results every time you make spicy empanadas tapas.
FAQ
Now, let me answer some frequently asked questions about this Spicy Empanadas Tapas Recipe, to ensure that you have all the information needed to make these delicious empanadas. So, keep reading to find the answers to the most common doubts and concerns about cooking this recipe!
What are 3 types of empanadas?
When it comes to making empanadas in Tucumán, there are three signature fillings that are popular all year round – beef, tripe, and chicken. These flavorful ingredients are generously stuffed inside pastry dough, which is slowly cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven using rich beef fat.
What is the difference between Spanish empanadas and Mexican empanadas?
Empanadas are an extremely diverse dish in Mexico with every region having their own take on it. While Spanish empanadas are made from bread dough, Mexican empanadas have used corn masa dough. These variations result in different flavors, textures, and even cooking techniques. Some regions of Mexico prefer deep-fried empanadas while others opt for baked ones. Whether using wheat flour, corn masa dough or any other variant, Mexican empanadas never fail to impress with their regional twists.
What is the difference between Argentinian and Venezuelan empanadas?
One can easily distinguish the empanadas of Argentina and Venezuela by the type of dough that they use. Argentinian empanadas are made with a flour-based dough akin to a savoury pastry crust whereas Venezuelan empanadas use a corn dough that is gluten-free. The bean and plantain variety of Venezuelan empanadas is also vegan.
What are Spanish empanadas called?
This recipe focuses on the popular dish known as Empanadillas, which originates from Spain. These small pastry pockets are typically filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, and corn. In some variations, they may also be called pastels or pasties.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, as a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I highly recommend trying this delicious Spicy Empanadas Tapas Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of spicy beef, vegetables, and cheese encased in a crispy crust that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also offers the flexibility of substitutions and variations for ingredients to suit your preferences. From Spanish and Venezuelan to Argentinian and even Chicken empanadas recipes can be customized with this recipe as a base.
Moreover, if you’re looking to impress your guests, these spicy empanadas make for an excellent party appetizer or main course. Pair them with a fresh salad or salsa for a refreshing twist.
Don’t forget the importance of storing and reheating your empanadas properly for optimal flavor retention. And whether you are using homemade dough or premade options like goya empanada dough or even puff pastry baked empanadas are truly delicious.
In essence, this Spicy Empanadas Tapas Recipe is an excellent opportunity to experiment with Latin-inspired flavors while savoring the taste of crunchy goodness within. With these tips and tricks on making perfect spicy beef cheese empanadas, I urge you to try it out for yourself and share it with loved ones. You’ll be amazed at how mouthwateringly delightful these snacks are.
Spicy Empanadas Tapas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 link hot linguica sausage
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small yellow wax chile pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 small tomatoes, seeded and chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Remove casings and chop linguica.
- Sauté onion and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add all remaining ingredients except pie crust and egg; cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes more and set aside.
- Unroll pie crust and cut into circles with a 3-inch cutter.
- Gather scraps, then reroll and cut into circles on a lightly floured board. Preheat oven to 400°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place a small spoonful of meat mixture onto half of each dough circle.
- Moisten edges with water and fold over to enclose filling; pinch edges to seal. Place on baking sheets and brush with beaten egg. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.