Empanadas are a delightful and savory treat enjoyed in many Latin American countries and beyond. These delicious pastries are filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, vegetables, and even sweet fillings. While you can easily find pre-made empanada dough at the supermarket, making your own from scratch can elevate the taste and texture to a whole new level. Many traditional recipes call for using a food processor to mix the dough, but what if you don’t have one? Don’t worry! In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps to make empanada dough without a food processor, ensuring delicious results every time.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before diving into the dough-making process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. To make empanada dough without a food processor, you will need:
1. 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon of salt
3. 4 tablespoons of lard or butter (at room temperature)
4. 1/2 cup of cold water
5. 1 large egg (optional, for an egg wash)
Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
The first step in making empanada dough without a food processor is to mix all the dry ingredients together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Adding the Fat
Next, add the lard or butter to the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, incorporate the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process will take a few minutes of gentle mixing and rubbing the fat into the flour.
Step 3: Incorporating the Liquid
Once the fat is evenly distributed, slowly add the cold water to the mixture. Stir the dough with a wooden spoon or your hands until it starts to come together. If the dough feels too dry, gradually add a bit more cold water, but be careful not to add too much.
Step 4: Kneading the Dough
Now comes the fun part – kneading the dough! Sprinkle a clean surface with flour and transfer the dough onto it. Start folding and pressing the dough with the heel of your hand, using a forward-motion technique.
Continue kneading the dough for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. If the dough feels too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour at a time and continue kneading until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 5: Resting the Dough
After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
Rolling Out and Filling the Empanadas
Now that your empanada dough is ready, it’s time to roll it out and fill it with your desired fillings. Here’s how you can proceed:
Step 1: Dividing the Dough
Uncover the rested dough and divide it into two equally-sized portions. Shape each portion into a ball and flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand. This division will make it easier to roll out the dough in smaller portions.
Step 2: Rolling Out the Dough
On a floured surface, take one of the dough portions and start rolling it out with a rolling pin. Roll the dough from the center towards the edges, rotating it slightly after each roll to maintain a round shape. Aim for a thickness of around 1/8 inch.
Step 3: Filling and Sealing the Empanadas
Once the dough is rolled out, you can now add your preferred empanada filling onto one half of the dough circle. Be sure not to overfill to avoid any leaks during the baking process. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
Use your fingers or a fork to press and seal the edges of the empanada. This step ensures that the fillings remain intact while baking.
Step 4: Repeat and Bake
Repeat the rolling, filling, and sealing process with the remaining dough portion and any additional fillings you may have. Place the filled empanadas onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Now it’s time to bake them to golden perfection! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the empanadas for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Making empanada dough without a food processor is not only doable, but it also allows you to have complete control over the ingredients and the satisfaction of creating these delicious pastries from scratch. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily whip up a batch of flavorful empanadas that are sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process as you create delicious empanadas with a homemade touch.