If you are a fan of Latin American cuisine, you must have had empanadas at least once in your life. Empanadas are a type of pastry that is stuffed with meat, vegetables, or cheese. They are baked or fried, and their crispy exterior and flavorful interior make them a delicious snack or a meal. There are many variations of empanadas, and one of them is empanadas de levadura. Empanadas de levadura are a type of empanada that is made with yeast dough. The yeast dough gives the empanadas a fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste. The filling can be anything you like, but the most common fillings are ground beef, chicken, or cheese. Empanadas de levadura are popular in many Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
Ingredients
To make empanadas de levadura, you will need the following ingredients:
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
1/2 cup of warm milk
1/2 cup of warm water
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
1 egg
Filling of your choice (ground beef, chicken, cheese, etc.)
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir to dissolve the yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture, 1/2 cup of warm milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 egg. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling of your choice. If you are making ground beef filling, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika to taste. If you are making chicken filling, cook 1 pound of chicken breast with 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano to taste. If you are making cheese filling, mix 1 cup of shredded cheese with 1 beaten egg and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.
Step 4: Shape the Empanadas
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle, about 6 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, leaving a border of dough around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together to seal the empanada. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative look.
Step 5: Bake the Empanadas
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a shiny finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown.
Nutrition
The nutrition information for empanadas de levadura varies depending on the filling and the size of the empanada. However, here is an estimated nutrition information for one empanada:
Calories: 250
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Sugar: 2g
Conclusion
Empanadas de levadura are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. The yeast dough gives them a fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste, while the filling adds flavor and nutrition. You can experiment with different fillings and spices to create your own version of empanadas de levadura. Enjoy them hot out of the oven or cold as a snack.