How to Make Empanada Dough Recipe

If you want to make delicious empanadas, you need the perfect dough. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make empanada dough that is both flaky and tender.

First, gather all the ingredients you’ll need.
Then, mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
Next, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Don’t forget to knead the dough gently and chill it for at least 30 minutes before using.

With this simple recipe, you’ll have homemade empanada dough that is perfect for any filling you desire.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Gather the Ingredients

To make empanada dough, you’ll need to gather all of the necessary ingredients with the help of a well-stocked kitchen pantry. First, let’s talk about the different types of empanada fillings you can choose from. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, the possibilities are endless. From classic beef or chicken fillings to vegetarian options like spinach and cheese or mushroom and onion, there’s something for everyone.
Now, let’s move on to shaping the empanada dough. Start by dividing the dough into small portions and rolling each one into a circle. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough in half and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork. This will ensure that the filling stays inside while it bakes to golden perfection. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to start making delicious empanadas.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start mixing the dry ingredients for your empanada dough recipe. This step is crucial in creating the perfect flaky texture for your empanadas. To make the dough, you’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
Whisk the dry ingredients together until they’re well combined. The salt helps to enhance the flavor of the dough, while the baking powder adds a lightness to the final product. Once the dry ingredients are mixed, you can move on to incorporating the wet ingredients.

Cut in the Butter

Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the butter to the empanada dough recipe. Cutting in the butter is an essential step in creating a flaky and delicious dough. To do this, use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be cold and firm, ensuring that it doesn’t melt too quickly. This technique helps create layers in the dough, resulting in a light and delicate texture when baked.
While butter is the traditional fat used in empanada dough, there are alternative options such as lard or shortening. These fats can also yield a tender crust, but they may impart a slightly different flavor. Experiment with different types of fillings for your empanadas and try using different fats to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Add the Wet Ingredients

Begin by incorporating the wet ingredients into the empanada dough recipe. The wet ingredients ratio is crucial in achieving the perfect texture and flavor of the dough. Most traditional empanada recipes call for water as the main wet ingredient.
However, you can also experiment with alternative wet ingredients to add a unique twist to your empanadas. For instance, some recipes use milk or buttermilk instead of water to create a richer and creamier dough. Others opt for olive oil or vegetable oil to enhance the dough’s tenderness and moisture.
Whatever wet ingredient you choose, make sure to add it gradually while mixing the dough until it reaches the desired consistency. This step is crucial in creating empanadas that are both delicious and easy to work with when shaping and filling.

Knead and Chill the Dough

Now it’s time to move on to kneading and chilling the dough. Kneading is an essential step in creating the perfect empanada dough. There are different kneading techniques you can use, such as the push-fold-turn method or the palm heel technique. Whichever method you choose, the goal is to develop the gluten in the dough, which will give it a desirable texture and elasticity. Kneading also helps distribute the ingredients evenly and ensures a consistent dough.
Once the dough is properly kneaded, it’s time to chill it. Chilling the dough has several benefits. It allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to work with. It also helps the dough firm up, making it less sticky and easier to roll out. Additionally, chilling the dough allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful empanada.

Conclusion

Now that you have mastered the art of making empanada dough, you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure filled with delicious fillings and flavors. This versatile dough is the perfect canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, traditional or innovative, the possibilities are endless.

So go ahead, gather your favorite ingredients, roll out that dough, and let your imagination run wild. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your homemade empanadas that will surely leave them craving for more.