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Foolproof 5-Ingredient Empanada Dough Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

This foolproof 5-ingredient empanada dough recipe is simple, quick, and versatile, perfect for making delicious homemade empanadas. Using basic pantry ingredients, the dough achieves a tender, flaky texture that can be either fried or baked to perfection. Ideal for both sweet and savory fillings, this empanada dough is easy to prepare and yields 16 servings.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of salt, mixing thoroughly to distribute the salt evenly.
  2. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the melted unsalted butter, 4 egg yolks, and 1 cup of water into the flour mixture.
  3. Work the dough: Stir all ingredients together until a dough starts to form. Transfer the dough to a flour-dusted surface and knead until it forms a consistent ball. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it no longer adheres to your hands.
  4. Chill: Cover the dough with a towel and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax and the dough to firm up.
  5. Roll: Divide the chilled dough into quarters, then cut each quarter into halves, halves, and halves again to get a total of 32 pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball and then flatten each ball into a circular shape on a floured surface using a rolling pin.
  6. Fill and seal: Place your chosen filling in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill. Brush the edges with water and fold the dough over to encase the filling. Seal the edges by crimping with a fork to prevent leaks during cooking.
  7. Cook (fry or bake): For frying, heat oil in a deep pan and fry empanadas until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. For baking, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), place empanadas on a baking sheet, optionally brush with egg wash for golden color, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

Notes

  • Ensure the dough is not too wet; adding flour gradually helps achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and to achieve a flaky texture.
  • Do not overfill empanadas to prevent breaking or leaking during cooking.
  • Frying yields a crispier texture, while baking is a healthier alternative and still produces a delightful flaky crust.
  • Leftover dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Latin American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/foolproof-5-ingredient-empanada-dough-recipe/