Empanadas
Empanadas are savory pastries loaded with ground beef, potatoes, or cheese that are deep-fried and brimming with flavor. There are several hole-in-the-wall bakeries where you can get your Empanada fix, but Artisana, a sophisticated cafe in the bohemian neighborhood of El Cangrejo, serves some of the tastiest.
Ingredients:
- 1 box Pillsbury ready-made pie crusts (15 oz.)
- 3/4 pound of ground beef
- 1 diced medium onion
- 1 diced small bell pepper
- 2 diced garlic cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped green chili peppers (or 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Filling: In a skillet, heat the oil and brown the meat, then drain the grease.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf from the dish.
- If the filling has to be thickened, a pinch of flour can be added. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the crust:
- Roll out 1/8th inch thick on a lightly floured board. For appetizer-sized empanadas, use a cookie cutter or a glass. For luncheon-size empanadas, use a small dish.
- Place roughly 1/2 teaspoon of filling on each round. With a fork, fold over and flute the edges. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the tops with beaten egg. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the crust until golden brown.
