Unbelievably Delicious Chilean Empanada Recipe

My mother is from Chile and empanadas have been a staple in our household for years. I have searched and searched and never seem to find the right one, so here is our family-favorite recipe for Chilean empanadas. My mom likes to sprinkle sugar on hers, while I prefer to dip mine in a little mustard — we all have our own cravings! This recipe makes about a dozen large empanadas, depending on the size.

Recipe Details

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
12
Yield:
12 large empanadas

Ingredients

  • 1tablespoonbutter

  • 1largeonion, chopped

  • 1teaspoonminced garlic

  • 1teaspoondried oregano

  • 1teaspooncumin

  • ½teaspoonsalt

  • ½teaspoonground black pepper

  • 1poundground pork

  • 1cupraisins

  • 1cupchopped black olives

  • 3largehard-cooked eggs, chopped

  • 1cupwater

  • 1teaspooncornstarch

  • 1cuplukewarm milk

  • 1cupshortening, melted

  • 5cupsall-purpose flour

  • 2teaspoonssalt

  • 2largeeggs, beaten

Cooking Directions

  1. Make the filling: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook and stir until onion is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add pork and cook until completely browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes more. Drain fat from the skillet. Stir in raisins, olives, and hard-cooked eggs.

  2. Whisk water and cornstarch together in a small bowl; pour into the skillet and stir until liquid thickens. Remove from the heat and set aside.

  3. Make the dough: Whisk milk and melted shortening together in a bowl until evenly blended. Stir flour and salt together in a separate large bowl. Pour milk mixture into flour mixture; whisk until well combined and a dough forms. Let rest for 10 minutes.

  4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  5. Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut into 12 circles with a round cookie cutter or glass. Spoon filling into the center of each circle. Fold each circle in half and press the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg. Place empanadas onto the prepared baking sheet.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Full Nutrition Label
Servings Per Recipe12
Calories530
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
28g
36%
Saturated Fat
8g
41%
Cholesterol
113mg
38%
Sodium
653mg
28%
Total Carbohydrate
54g
20%
Dietary Fiber
3g
9%
Total Sugars
10g
Protein
16g
Vitamin C
2mg
9%
Calcium
74mg
6%
Iron
4mg
22%
Potassium
338mg
7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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