Zesty Chili Lime Empanada Bites - Bite-Sized Flavor Punch
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Ingredients
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2 cups All-purpose flour
(For the dough)
-
6 tbsp Unsalted butter
(Cold, diced)
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1/3 cup Cold water
-
1/2 tsp Salt
(For dough)
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250 grams Ground beef
(Lean)
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1/2 cup Onion
(Finely chopped)
-
1 tsp Red chili flakes
(Adjust based on desired spiciness)
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2 cloves Garlic
(Minced)
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1 tsp Lime zest
(Freshly grated)
-
1 1/2 tbsp Lime juice
(Freshly squeezed)
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2 tbsp Cilantro
(Chopped)
-
1/4 cup Green bell pepper
(Finely diced)
-
1 tbsp Olive oil
Salt, To taste
Black pepper, To taste
-
1 large Egg
(for egg wash)
(For the dough)
(Cold, diced)
(For dough)
(Lean)
(Finely chopped)
(Adjust based on desired spiciness)
(Minced)
(Freshly grated)
(Freshly squeezed)
(Chopped)
(Finely diced)
(for egg wash)
Nutrition
- Servings: 12
- Serving Size: 2 empanada bites
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 1.8 g
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 2 mg
Instructions
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1 - Make the Dough:
Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Wrap and chill 30 mins if time permits.
-
2 - Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in chili flakes, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 mins. Remove from heat.
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3 - Assemble Empanada Bites:
Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch circles. Place a teaspoon of filling on each circle, fold in half, and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
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4 - Bake to Perfection:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
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5 - Serve & Enjoy:
Allow empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until dough forms. Wrap and chill 30 mins if time permits.
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, and green bell pepper until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in chili flakes, lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 mins. Remove from heat.
Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch circles. Place a teaspoon of filling on each circle, fold in half, and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with beaten egg. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Allow empanadas to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
More About: Zesty Chili Lime Empanada Bites - Bite-Sized Flavor Punch
Chili Lime Empanada Bites
Chili Lime Empanada Bites fuse the traditional Latin American empanada with exciting zesty flavors of lime and spicy chili flakes to create a unique handheld snack. The dough is flaky yet tender, complementing the aromatic and savory filling, which combines the zest of fresh lime and the kick from red chili flakes. Often associated with Argentina, empanadas are beloved throughout Latin America and have countless regional variations. This recipe is distinguished by its mini, bite-sized form making it ideal for appetizers or parties where guests can enjoy bold flavors in a compact, crisp form.
Tips & Notes:
- For easier assembly, chill the dough before rolling and use a pastry cutter or round glass.
- Adjust the chili amount based on heat preference.
- Fresh lime zest and juice brighten the dish, enhancing the meat's flavors and balancing the spice.
- Leftover empanadas can be frozen and baked fresh from frozen for a crispy treat anytime.
Cultural Significance:
Empanadas have cultural significance in many Latin American countries, representing comfort food and tradition often enjoyed during social gatherings and celebrations. This modern twist with lime and chili introduces a fresh palate to an old classic while still honoring its roots.
Exploring recipes like these lets one appreciate global culinary art – where a humble baked turnover becomes a vehicle for rich flavors and convivial spirit. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these vibrant chili lime empanada bites!
