🥟 Homemade Hand Pies (Empanadas) – Basic Recipe

🥣 Ingredients

For the Dough

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)

1 egg

½ cup cold water

1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)

For a Savory Filling (example: beef)

1 lb ground beef

½ cup onion, finely chopped

½ cup bell pepper, chopped (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

¼ cup tomato sauce

¼ cup chopped olives or boiled egg (optional)

For a Sweet Filling (optional instead of savory)

Apple pie filling, berry jam, or sweetened cream cheese

To Finish

1 egg (beaten for egg wash)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Dough
2. Mix the flour and salt in a bowl.
3. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
4. Add the egg, vinegar, and cold water. Mix until it forms a dough.
5. Knead lightly until smooth.
6. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

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2. Prepare the Filling (Savory)
3. Sauté onions, garlic, and peppers.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Stir in spices, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook until thickened, then let cool.

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3. Assemble the Hand Pies
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Cut circles (4–6 inches wide).
6. Add 1–2 tablespoons of filling to each.
7. Fold into a half-moon shape.
8. Crimp edges with a fork (like in the picture).
9. Poke small fork holes on top to vent.
10. Brush with egg wash.

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4. Bake

Place on a baking sheet.

Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.

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🍽️ Enjoy!

You can fill these with beef, chicken, cheese, apples, peaches—anything you like. Want a specific filling recipe or a dipping sauce?