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# **How to Make Fried Meat Pie (Empanadas): A Delicious Recipe for Crispy Perfection**
Fried meat pies, or **empanadas**, are a beloved dish in many cultures around the world. These savory pockets of **flaky pastry** are filled with a rich, flavorful **meat mixture**, then fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking to serve them at a family gathering, a party, or simply as a treat for yourself, empanadas are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and **delicious recipe** for making homemade fried meat pies. The best part? These empanadas are easy to prepare and full of flavor!
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## **What Are Empanadas?**
Empanadas are traditional turnovers that originated in **Spain** and have since become popular in **Latin America**, **South America**, and other parts of the world. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish word **”empanar,”** meaning “to coat with bread,” referring to the dough that surrounds the filling.
These turnovers can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as **beef**, **chicken**, **pork**, or **cheese**, and they can be baked or fried. In this recipe, we’ll focus on making **fried empanadas**, which are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
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## **Ingredients for Fried Meat Pie (Empanadas)**
### For the dough:
– **2 cups all-purpose flour**
– **½ teaspoon salt**
– **1 teaspoon baking powder**
– **1/3 cup vegetable oil**
– **1 large egg**
– **½ cup water (or as needed)**
– **1 tablespoon vinegar** (optional, helps with crispiness)
### For the filling:
– **1 lb (450g) ground beef** (or your choice of meat, such as chicken or pork)
– **1 small onion**, finely chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon ground cumin**
– **1 teaspoon paprika**
– **½ teaspoon chili powder** (optional for heat)
– **½ teaspoon ground black pepper**
– **Salt**, to taste
– **1 small bell pepper**, finely chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
– **1/4 cup green olives**, chopped (optional, for a tangy twist)
– **1/4 cup raisins** (optional, for sweetness)
– **2 hard-boiled eggs**, chopped (optional, for extra texture)
– **Vegetable oil**, for frying
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## **How to Make Fried Meat Pie (Empanadas)**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Dough**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine **flour**, **salt**, and **baking powder**.
2. Add the **vegetable oil** and **egg**, mixing them into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add **water** and **vinegar** (if using) a little at a time, kneading until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft and slightly elastic. If it’s too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least **30 minutes**. This resting period will help relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.
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### **Step 2: Make the Filling**
1. While the dough is resting, heat a **large skillet** over medium heat. Add a little **oil** and sauté the **onion** and **garlic** until they become soft and fragrant, about **3-4 minutes**.
2. Add the **ground beef** to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the **cumin**, **paprika**, **chili powder**, **black pepper**, and **salt**. Mix well to coat the meat with the spices.
4. Add the **bell pepper**, **olives**, **raisins**, and **chopped hard-boiled eggs** (if using). Stir to combine everything and cook for an additional **2-3 minutes**. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
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### **Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas**
1. Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface into a **thin sheet**, about **1/8 inch** thick.
2. Use a round cutter (such as a cup or bowl) to cut out **circles** of dough. You can make them as big or as small as you like, but **3-4 inches in diameter** is ideal for handheld empanadas.
3. Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Be sure not to overfill them, as this can make sealing difficult.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the empanada. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch or fold them in a traditional pinched style.
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**Step 4: Fry the Empanadas**
1. Heat **vegetable oil** in a large frying pan or deep fryer to about **350°F (175°C)**. Make sure there is enough oil to fully submerge the empanadas.
2. Carefully place the empanadas into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry for **3-4 minutes**, turning them occasionally, until they are **golden brown and crispy**.
3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
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