Empanadas are basically stuffed pastries. Fillings can range from the ordinary - beef or tuna - to the more high-brow - olives and raisins. Whatever the flavor, empanadas make for both a hearty meal as well as a filling snack.

Why this will click

An empanada is one pastry that crosses income segments. It can be sold to the masses at small kiosks, or to the well-heeled at Sunday neighborhood markets or even at 5-star hotel! It’s up to you to decide

Materials Needed

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Chopping board
• Baking tray

For the Crust :

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1/3 cup ice water

For the Filling :

• 1 medium sized onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tomatoes, peeled
• 2 cups cooked beef, chopped
• 1/2 cup beef stock
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp. ground cumin, P105 for 500 grams
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Empanada

1. First, make the crust. Sift together flour, sugarm baking powder and salt.
2. Cut the shortening into the flour as though you were making a pie crust by working it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle dough with just enough cold water so that it will just hold together. Knead together briefly and allow to rest, covered about 10 minutes.
4. Roll dough out on a lightly floured board to circles about 3-4 inches in diameter.
5. Place a spoonful of empanada filling of your choice on one side of the circle. Moisten the edges of the circle with a small amount of water and fold the dough over the filling to make a half circle. Press the edges together to seal.
6. You can opt to make a pattern on the edges of the crust by pressing on it with the tines of a fork. Vary your patterns if you are making empanadas with different fillings to distinguisg one from the other.
7. Bake at 375 degrees Farenheit for 15-20 minutes.

To Make the Filling :

1. Saute onions and garlic in hot oil until translucent.
2. Add meat, saute for 5 more minutes. Stir in tomatoes, stock and remaining ingredients.
3. Simmer 30 minutes.

How Much Will I Make

Bite-sized empanadas (which can be sold as snacks) can go for P15 to P20, depending on the filling. Larger empanadas and those with more expensive filling (like olives) can go for as much as P25 to P30 per piece.

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