Beef empanadas

Method

• step 1

  Make the pastry by putting the flour in the bowl of a food processor, adding the cold butter and a big pinch of salt, and pulsing until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

  

• step 2

  Add the egg and pulse until it forms a rough ball of dough.

  

• step 3

  Add a splash of cold water if it looks a little dry.

  

• step 4

  Gather up the dough, wrap and chill while you make the filling.

  

• step 5

  Heat 1 tbsp of the olive oil in a large frying pan over a high heat and add the mince. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces, frying for 5 mins until the liquid evaporates and it starts to caramelise. Use a slotted spoon to remove it to a bowl.

  

• step 6

  Turn the heat to low-medium and add the remaining tbsp of oil. Tip in the onion and pepper with a pinch of salt, and cook gently for 6-7 mins or until the onion has softened.

  

• step 7

  Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper and tomato purée and cook for 2 mins.

  

• step 8

  Pour in the beef stock, add the mince back to the pan and simmer for 15 mins until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick. Season, cool, then chill for 1 hour.

  

• step 9

  Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and line two large baking trays. Divide the pastry into 10 equal pieces and roll each out into a 18cm x 18cm square, then use a small knife to cut into rough 14cm-diameter circles.

  

• step 10

  Spoon 2-3 tbsp of the mince mixture onto one half of a circle, leaving a 2cm border around the edge, then brush this with a little cold water.

  

• step 11

  Fold one half of the pastry over, then, using a fork, press down all the way around the pastry edge, until you have a fully sealed empanada. Move onto the lined baking trays. Repeat the process with the remaining filling and dough.

  

• step 12

  Brush all of empanadas with the beaten egg then transfer to the oven for 25-30 mins or until deeply golden. Cool on the trays and eat while still warm.