EMPANADAS IN THE OVEN RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. To make the pastry, combine the flour, baking powder and 1 teaspoon of sea salt in a large bowl. Finely chop or coarsely grate the butter, then rub into the dry mix until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  2. Mix in just enough cold water to bring it together, then wrap in clingfilm and pop in the fridge for 1 hour.
  3. Meanwhile, finely chop and add the sirloin with 1 tablespoon of oil to a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove to a plate.
  4. Peel and finely chop the garlic and onion. Deseed and finely chop the pepper and chilli, then add to the frying pan over a medium-low heat. Stir in the paprika and cumin, and fry for 10 minutes, or until softened.
  5. Crush the olives with the flat side of your knife, pull out and discard the stones, then finely chop the flesh.
  6. Add the purée to the pan and crumble in the stock cube. Fry for a further minute, then add the olives and 100ml of boiling water. Bring to the boil, season lightly with sea salt and black pepper.
  7. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes over a medium heat, or until the liquid has almost completely evaporated. Return the beef and any resting juices to the pan, stir well, then leave to cool completely.
  8. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/gas 5.
  9. Divide the pastry into 14 equal pieces, then roll each portion into 14cm circles and the thickness of a pound coin – use a biscuit cutter or saucer for an accurate round.
  10. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the middle of each pastry round, brush the edges with a little beaten egg, then fold them over the filling to make a semi-circle. Press the edges together with a fork to seal, then place onto a large, lightly greased baking tray.
  11. Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg and bake in the hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Leave to rest for a few minutes, then serve on a platter.

Steps:

• For the empanada dough: Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the lard with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
• In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the stock. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and knead until a dough forms. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, for the empanada filling: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and garlic salt and cook until the beef is cooked completely. Drain the grease and set the beef aside.
• In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, oregano, seasoned salt, garlic, bell peppers and onions. Cook until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the beef and let them love each other with fire over low heat for about 5 more minutes. The mixture should be moist but not dripping wet. Now you are ready to fill the empanadas.
• Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out 4-, 5- or 6-inch rounds, depending on how large you prefer. Add some meat filling to each empanada and fold the dough over in half to enclose the filling. Use a fork to press and seal the edges closed. You can refrigerate the uncooked empanadas for up to 3 hours.
• Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees F. Fry the empanadas until golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes.
• For the aioli dip: Mix together the mayonnaise, adobo sauce and lime juice. (The flavor will enhance if it sits in the refrigerator.)