Venezuelan turnovers

Venezuelan turnovers

These Venezuelan turnovers, known as empanadas, feature a flavorful ground beef filling enveloped in a delicate yellow masa dough. Crisply fried to golden perfection, they make a delightful snack or meal accompaniment.

Side

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

25 min

Servings

6

Empanadas are a beloved street food in Venezuela, known for their crispy exterior and hearty fillings. This particular recipe uses yellow masarepa, lending the dough a subtle corn flavor that complements the savory beef mixture inside. The filling is seasoned with traditional Venezuelan spices and enhanced by the unique addition of capers, which provide a delightful burst of tanginess. The meat filling is slowly simmered with onions, peppers, tomato sauce, and aromatic seasonings, creating a rich and textured medley. Enclosing this filling in a thin, pliable masa dough and frying the turnovers yields a satisfying crispness that contrasts delightfully with the tender interior. These empanadas are perfect served as appetizers or as part of a larger Venezuelan-inspired meal. Pair these turnovers with a fresh avocado salad or a zesty chimichurri sauce for a balanced and flavorful dining experience. Whether enjoyed at a casual gathering or a festive occasion, these Venezuelan empanadas bring warmth and comfort through their cherished flavors.

Ingredients

  • 450 g Ground Beef
  • Pinch Pepper
  • Pinch Ground Cumin
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • 1 cup Onion
  • 0.5 cup Green Pepper
  • 0.5 cup Red Pepper
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 0.25 cup Capers
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can Sazon
  • 2 Yellow Masarepa
  • For frying Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Begin by seasoning the ground beef generously with Adobo seasoning to infuse it with a robust layer of flavor. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until all traces of pink have disappeared, ensuring it is evenly browned. Next, stir in the finely chopped onion, green and red peppers, garlic powder, and capers. Pour in the tomato sauce and the Sazón seasoning, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the mixture to cook, stirring frequently, as the flavors meld and the liquid reduces until most of it evaporates; this should take about 20 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. Prepare the dough using yellow masarepa, ensuring it is moist enough to hold together without sticking to your fingers. Take approximately half a cup of dough and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. On a sheet of non-stick parchment paper, press the ball into a circle roughly 5 inches in diameter and a delicate 1/8 inch thick. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cooled meat filling onto one half of the dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over to create a semi-circle, using the parchment paper to assist with an even fold. For a neat and sealed edge, press the lip of an inverted bowl onto the semi-circle-shaped empanada, trimming any excess dough and ensuring the filling is securely enclosed. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling. In a large skillet, pour in about half an inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Fry the empanadas in batches, turning them once or twice, until each is evenly coated in a light golden brown crust. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan or let the oil become too hot to maintain the perfect frying temperature. Once cooked, transfer the empanadas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm for a crunchy, flavorful treat. Tip: If you don't have an inverted bowl to seal the edges, use a fork to gently press the edges together for a classic crimped look.

Quick Info

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6