Philippine Style Empanadas

Empanadas is a Philippine favorite snack or appetizer. This is a fairly easy recipe, but if you don't want to make the dough from scratch, you can always grab a pack of Goya Empanada Pastry Discs (10 discs) from your local supermarket. You can usually find them in the frozen goods section for a very reasonable price. Just thaw at room temperature and lightly flour them before using to prevent it from ripping apart.

The possibilities are also endless when it comes to your filling. The recipe below is a standard Philippine version. By adding a different spice like a curry for example, you'll have yourself a Samosas. A little cumin and oregano is a Spanish-style Empanadas! You can also substitute the meat from beef to pork, chicken or turkey. Add some bacon, chorizo or Italian sweet sausage for more flavor...So, whatever your palate desires, just go for it and have fun!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 lb Ground Beef
3 cloves of garlic
1 Large Onion, chopped
2 Tbsp of Soy Sauce
1 cup potatoes, diced
1 cup peas, frozen or canned
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
1 cup raisins

Dough:
8 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup margarine
2 egg yolks
1 cup lukewarm water

Egg Wash (1 egg yolk with a little water)

Directions:
Brown beef in a heavy skillet. Push meat on the side. Saute garlic until brown. Then add onions and saute until soft. Season with soy sauce. Add potatoes and cook until tender. Add peas, bell pepper and raisins. Season with salt and pepper. Drain and cool before using to fill Empanadas.

Dough:
Mix together flour, sugar and salt. Mix in butter and egg yolks. Add lukewarm water and work with your hands to form a dough. On a lightly floured board, roll dough thinly about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 4 inch circles.

Put a heaping spoonful of filling on the center of circle. Fold to a half-moon shape. Crimp edges with a fork. Brush top with egg wash. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 3 dozens.

Great served with a side of ketchup and/or Tabasco sauce and an ice cold can of Soda Pop!