EMPANADAS PERUANAS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 450°F.
• In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef. Cook, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes or until golden brown; reserve in medium bowl. In same skillet, cook onion about 3 minutes or until brown. Add tomato, beef, soy sauce, vinegar and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat. Cool 5 minutes.
• On lightly floured work surface, roll each pie crust into 14-inch circle. Using 6-inch round plate, cut 3 circles from each crust. Reroll remaining dough, and cut 2 more 6-inch circles. Moisten edge of each circle with water, and place about 2 tablespoons filling on circle. Fold dough in half over filling; press edge with fork to seal. On ungreased cookie sheet, place 2 inches apart. Poke top of each once with fork to vent steam.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Store leftovers loosely covered in refrigerator.

Steps:

• To make the pastry: In a large bowl, stir the flour, baking powder, curry, salt and turmeric. Cut in the butter and shortening until the mix resembles fine crumbs. Pour water in and make a soft dough. Gather the dough into a ball and wrap in wax paper. Chill for 1 hour.
• To make the filling: In a small bowl, mix the water with the breadcrumbs and let it sit while you prepare everything else. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Cook the onions and garlic until soft. Place in a small bowl and set aside. Increase the heat to high. In the same pan, cook the beef until it is no longer pink. Drain the fat and stir in the onion mix, curry, salt, thyme, black and cayenne peppers. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes.
• Assembly: Divide pastry in half and roll 2 long sausage shapes. Slice each roll crosswise into roughly 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a 6" circle. Spoon some filling into the circle. Wet the edges of the circle with a little water and fold in half, making sure the edges meet. Trim into a neat half moon shape and imprint the edges with fork prongs.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 28 minutes or until the pastry is lightly brown.