African Meat Pies (Beef Empanadas)

Name: African Meat Pies (Beef Empanadas)
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs ground beef; 3 tbsp oil; 1 onion, minced; 2 scallions, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium carrot, finely diced; 1 mediumpotato, finely diced; salt and pepper to taste; ½ tsp white pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp flour; 2 cups water; showman empanada dough (room temperature); 1 egg; 2 tbsp milk

CategoryAfrican, This Week Menu

Yields1 Serving

1 ½ lbs ground beef

3 tbsp oil

1 onion, minced

2 scallions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium carrot, finely diced

1 mediumpotato, finely diced

salt and pepper to taste

½ tsp white pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

1 tbsp flour

2 cups water

showman empanada dough (room temperature)

1 egg

2 tbsp milk

Beef filling

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.

Meat Pie assembly

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