Heart-Shaped Empanadas

Introduction

There’s something magical about creating food that speaks directly to the heart—and Heart-Shaped Empanadas do just that. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic evening, hosting a gathering with friends, or just treating yourself, these empanadas bring joy in every bite. With their golden, crispy crust and savory fillings, they’re the perfect dish to show love and warmth. Plus, the heart shape adds a special touch, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make these delightful empanadas from scratch (or semi-scratch for a quicker option!) and discover ways to personalize them. From the dough to the fillings, this dish is full of flavors and creative possibilities. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some heart-shaped magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s take a closer look at why Heart-Shaped Empanadas will steal your heart:

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Their heart shape makes them ideal for romantic dinners, anniversaries, or Galentine’s Day celebrations.
• Customizable Fillings: You can fill them with whatever your heart desires, from classic beef and chicken to vegetarian or sweet versions.
• Easy to Make: While they might look fancy, these empanadas are easy to prepare and even easier to eat!
• Great for Sharing: Empanadas are finger food at its best, making them perfect for sharing at a party, picnic, or family meal.
• Versatile Dough: Use store-bought dough for a shortcut or try a homemade version for a more traditional approach.
• Crispy and Golden: The fried dough gives the empanadas a satisfying crunch, while the fillings stay warm and comforting.
• Fun to Assemble: Shaping the dough into hearts is not only easy, but it’s also fun and a great way to get creative.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Empanadas can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you can enjoy them later when you’re craving comfort food.
• Kid-Friendly: Little hands will love helping with the filling and folding of these adorable empanadas.
• Satisfying and Filling: Each bite is a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and flavorful, making them a satisfying meal or snack.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 12 empanadas
• Calories per empanada: Approximately 200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Heart-Shaped Empanadas:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• ½ cup cold water (more if needed)

the Filling (Feel free to get creative with this!):

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, pork, or plant-based protein)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg (for binding)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (enough to cover the empanadas in the pan)

Ingredient Highlights

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the dough and gives it a tender, yet sturdy structure that crisps up beautifully when fried.
• Butter: The key to flaky, melt-in-your-mouth dough. Chilled butter helps create the desired texture.
• Ground Beef (or alternative): A savory filling that pairs wonderfully with spices like cumin and paprika.
• Olives: A tangy addition that brightens the filling and adds complexity.
• Egg Wash: Creates a beautiful golden-brown finish for the empanadas.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of making these heart-shaped beauties. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a plate full of empanadas in no time!

Making the Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add cold water, starting with about ½ cup, and mix until the dough begins to come together. Add a little more water if necessary.
4. Form the Dough: Knead the dough gently for a few minutes on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Cook the Meat: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Meat: Add your choice of ground meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Season: Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well, and let the spices infuse into the meat.
4. Add Olives: If you’re using olives, fold them into the mixture now.
5. Cool the Filling: Once the filling is done, let it cool slightly before using it in the empanadas.

Assembling the Empanadas

1. Roll Out the Dough: Take the chilled dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
2. Cut Heart Shapes: Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut out heart-shaped pieces of dough.
3. Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each heart-shaped dough piece.
4. Seal the Edges: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal them tightly.
5. Egg Wash: Brush each empanada with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.

Frying the Empanadas

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Empanadas: Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain: Remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

How to Serve

Here are some fun serving ideas for your Heart-Shaped Empanadas:

1. With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of sauces like salsa, sour cream, or a tangy green sauce.
2. As a Snack: Perfect for serving at a party, with each empanada being bite-sized and ready to dip.
3. With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh, zesty salad for a balanced meal.
4. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for added color and flavor.
5. In a Picnic Basket: These empanadas are the perfect addition to a picnic or outdoor gathering.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can make the empanadas a day ahead and refrigerate them, or freeze them un-fried for later. Just heat them up in the oven or fry them directly from the freezer.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try different fillings like sweet potatoes, spinach, or even a sweet version with chocolate and caramel for a dessert twist.
• Watch the Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) to avoid greasy empanadas.
• Use Leftover Meat: Empanadas are a great way to use up leftover roast chicken or beef.

Recipe Variations

Here are some ideas to personalize your empanadas:

• Vegetarian Empanadas: Swap the meat for black beans, cheese, and vegetables like corn and bell peppers.
• Sweet Empanadas: For dessert, fill the empanadas with chocolate, dulce de leche, or fruit fillings like apple or guava.
• Mini Empanadas: Make smaller versions for bite-sized snacks or appetizers.
• Baked Version: If you prefer a healthier option, brush the empanadas with egg wash and bake them at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Freezing and Storage

To keep your Heart-Shaped Empanadas fresh:

• Storage: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the un-fried empanadas by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Fry or bake frozen empanadas directly from the freezer for a quick meal.

faq section

Making Heart-Shaped Empanadas can be a fun and delicious experience, but you might have a few questions along the way. No worries! Here’s a helpful FAQ to guide you through any doubts or concerns you may have while preparing this dish.

• Can I use store-bought dough for the empanadas?
• Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought dough is a great shortcut. Just make sure to roll it out and shape it as instructed in the recipe. It will save you some time while still tasting fantastic.
• Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?
• Yes! You can make the empanadas up to 24 hours ahead. Simply prepare them, store them in the fridge, and fry them when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can freeze un-fried empanadas for up to 3 months and fry them directly from the freezer.
• What other fillings can I use?
• The sky’s the limit! You can fill your empanadas with a variety of ingredients. Try ground turkey, black beans, cheese, spinach, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option. For a sweet twist, fill them with chocolate, fruit, or dulce de leche.

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Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Heart-Shaped Empanadas, you’re ready to share them with loved ones—or enjoy them solo (no judgment here!). The heart shape adds a personal touch that makes every bite feel extra special, and the customizable fillings mean you can tailor them to your taste. Whether for a romantic dinner, a fun party snack, or just because, these empanadas are sure to make your heart skip a beat.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!