Iftar recipe to try at home: Beef Empanadas

INGREDIENTS
FOR DOUGH:
All-purpose flour......................3 cups
Salt ..................................... 1/2 tsp
Butter ..................................170gms
Egg............................................... 1
Water....1/2 cup (adjust as needed for a soft and smooth dough)
FOR FILLING:
(You can use a filling of your choice, even leftovers from a meal. Customize it as per your preference)
Mince beef.....................................1/2 kg
White onions (chopped)..........................2
Green chillies ........................................2
Garlic.......................................... 3 cloves
Scallions........................................1 sprig
Cumin powder.................................. 1 tsp
Smoked paprika ............................... 1 tsp
Red chilli flakes ................................ 1 tsp
Vegetable oil ...................................2 tbsp
Shredded Mozzarella cheese................1 cup
Salt and pepper ............................ to taste
METHOD
FOR THE FILLING:
Keep the filling ready. If you are cooking it fresh, make it first so it cools down before you fill it in the dough pockets.
1. Heat oil in a pan, add the red chilli flakes and onions and sauté it bit. Then add garlic and green chillies. Once the onions become soft and translucent, add the ground beef.
2. Add the cumin and smoked paprika. Mix well.
3. Cook on medium heat until the meat is done. Stir frequently.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Once the mixture has cooled, add the chopped green onions.
FOR THE DOUGH:
1. Mix the flour and salt in a food processor.
2. Once combined, add the butter using the pulse setting of the processor.
3. Add the whole egg and water (in small batches) and continue pulsing until the dough blends well.
4. If you are not using a food processor, follow the same steps and mix it by hand.
5. Split the dough into two round portions, it will be easier to work with. Take one portion and divide them into smaller palm sized portions.
6. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and cut out round disc shapes for the empanadas.
7. If you don't use all the dough, you can freeze the remainder to use another time.
ASSEMBLING THE EMPANADAS:
1. Place a spoonful of cooled filling in the middle of each disc. Add a little mozzarella cheese.
2. Brush the edges of the disc with egg white. Fold and seal the edges by pressing it with your fingers.
3. Take the top of a fork and press it against the edges of the dough pocket.
4. Align the empanadas on a baking sheet.
5. For a nice golden finish, brush the empanadas with egg wash (whisk together an egg with a few drops of water).
6. Preheat the oven to 180 C - 200 C degrees. Bake the empanadas for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Recipe courtesy: Nadia Michael. Follow her on instagram @onelatteplease_dxb.
Compiled by Mahima Ann Ninan

• Food and Dining