African Meat Pies (Beef Empanadas)
In a medium saucepan, heat oil and cook onions until translucent. Add garlic and stir for 2 minutes.
Next, add salt and pepper, cayenne and white pepper.
Add the ground beef and stir continuously, breaking into small chunks. Cook until the beef has a nice light brown color.
Next add carrots, potatoes and water, Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and allow to cook until potatoes are soft. Liquid should be reduced by more than half now.
Add flour and let thicken for 2 minutes then stir in scallions. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a small bowl beat egg and milk and set aside.
Cut dough into 6 equal parts.
On a floured surface roll out each piece to 1/8" thick.
Using a pie cutter cut out round pieces in the dough.
Place a scant spoonful of beef filling in the center.
Bring one end of the round cut dough to the other end, forming a half moon shape. Gently press down with your hand and then seal with a fork.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Place the pies on a lined sheet paper. Poke a few small holes to the top of them. Brush generously with egg wash.
Place in a preheated oven at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot.
Ingredients
Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat oil and cook onions until translucent. Add garlic and stir for 2 minutes.
Next, add salt and pepper, cayenne and white pepper.
Add the ground beef and stir continuously, breaking into small chunks. Cook until the beef has a nice light brown color.
Next add carrots, potatoes and water, Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium and allow to cook until potatoes are soft. Liquid should be reduced by more than half now.
Add flour and let thicken for 2 minutes then stir in scallions. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a small bowl beat egg and milk and set aside.
Cut dough into 6 equal parts.
On a floured surface roll out each piece to 1/8" thick.
Using a pie cutter cut out round pieces in the dough.
Place a scant spoonful of beef filling in the center.
Bring one end of the round cut dough to the other end, forming a half moon shape. Gently press down with your hand and then seal with a fork.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
Place the pies on a lined sheet paper. Poke a few small holes to the top of them. Brush generously with egg wash.
Place in a preheated oven at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot.