Beef Empanadas with Olives and Raisins

Ingredients and Weight:

• Ground beef (80/20): 1 pound (454 grams)
• Yellow onion (medium): 1 (120 grams)
• Red bell pepper (large): 1 (284 grams)
• Garlic cloves (minced): 3 (6 grams)
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup (60 milliliters)
• Paprika: 2 teaspoons
• Cumin: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper: to taste
• Chopped pitted olives (green or black): 1/2 cup (60 grams)
• Raisins: 1/2 cup (60 grams)
• Frozen puff pastry sheets: 2 (9-ounce/255-gram packages)

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

25-30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 out of 5 (relatively easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Finely chop the onion and red bell pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more.
5. Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
6. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
7. Stir in the olives and raisins.
8. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a 12-inch (30-centimeter) circle.
9. Divide the beef mixture evenly among eight 4-inch (10-centimeter) circles marked on the puff pastry.
10. Brush the edges of the circles with water.
11. Roll out the remaining sheet of puff pastry and place it over the circles.
12. Press the edges together firmly to seal.
13. Transfer the empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
14. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 empanada Calories: 380 Total Fat: 23 grams (35% Daily Value) Saturated Fat: 9 grams (50% Daily Value) Cholesterol: 75 milligrams (25% Daily Value) Sodium: 430 milligrams (19% Daily Value) Total Carbohydrates: 28 grams (10% Daily Value) Dietary Fiber: 2 grams (8% Daily Value) Protein: 18 grams Iron: 5 milligrams (28% Daily Value)

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory, flaky, and slightly sweet
• Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or main courses
• Pairs well with dipping sauces such as salsa or chimichurri

User Comments:

• "These empanadas were a hit at my party! The combination of flavors was fantastic."
• "I love the flaky crust and the juicy filling. The olives and raisins add a great touch."
• "Easy to make and so delicious. I'll definitely make these again."
• "Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack."
• "I used ground turkey instead of beef and they turned out great!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to thaw the puff pastry sheets before using them.
• If the edges of the empanadas are not sealed properly, they may burst open during baking.
• Serve the empanadas hot with dipping sauce of your choice.