Hey, fellow foodies! Are you tired of the same old dough recipe for your empanadas? I know I was! I mean, who needs a bland, dense pastry when you can have a flaky baked empanada dough recipe that’s going to make your taste buds do the happy dance? Not me, that’s for sure! So, what’s the secret to achieving that perfect, flaky crust? Well, let’s get started and find out!
The Flaky Baked Empanada Dough Recipe
This recipe rocks because it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I mean, who doesn’t love a good shortcut in the kitchen?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of ice-cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Yeah, it’s time to get this baking party started!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Simple, right?
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers (like I do!) to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Why You’ll Love It:
This flaky baked empanada dough recipe is a game-changer! It’s perfect for making individual empanadas, and the best part is that it’s ready in under an hour. Plus, the flaky crust is simply irresistible – you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
The Fried Empanada Dough Recipe
Now, I know some of you are thinking, “But what about fried empanadas?” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! This recipe is perfect for those who love a crispy, golden crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Yep, it’s the same as the baked recipe – easy peasy!
2. Add the vegetable shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingers (again, like I do!) to work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the warm water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Why You’ll Love It:
This fried empanada dough recipe is perfect for those who love a crispy, savory crust. The vegetable shortening gives it a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. Plus, who doesn’t love the thrill of frying something up in a hot pan?
The Hybrid Empanada Dough Recipe
Now, what if you want the best of both worlds? Enter the hybrid empanada dough recipe! This one’s perfect for those who love a little bit of crunch and a little bit of flakiness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/8 cup of vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of ice-cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Yep, we’re baking again!
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. You know the drill by now!
3. Add the cold butter and vegetable shortening, and use a pastry blender or your fingers (yep, again!) to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
6. Brush the tops with a little bit of egg wash and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
This hybrid empanada dough recipe is the perfect compromise between baked and fried. You get a little bit of crunch from the vegetable shortening and a little bit of flakiness from the cold unsalted butter. It’s the best of both worlds, if you ask me!
In conclusion, the key to making amazing empanadas is all about the dough. Whether you’re a fan of flaky baked empanada dough or crispy fried empanadas, there’s a recipe out there for you. With these three recipes, you’ll be well on your way to empanada mastery. So, which one will you try first? The flaky baked empanada dough recipe, the fried empanada dough recipe, or the hybrid empanada dough recipe? Whatever you choose, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
