Food of the Philippines: Beef Empanada, an Ilocano classic

Empanadas are delicious filled pasty turnovers. They originated in Spain, but have now become a firm Filipino favourite, particularly in the north of the country. Empanadas can be baked or fried. They can be great appetisers or a perfect party finger food.

In this recipe we will use lean ground beef, but many like shredded beef – but more time is needed to prepare. Like chicken empanada, the beef is cooked with potatoes, peppers, green peas and, of course, raisins.

 Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
• ½ kilo of lean ground beef
• ½ cup of onion – diced
• 1 cup of carrots – diced
• 2 cups of potatoes – diced
• ½ cup of green peas
• ½ cup of raisins
• ¼ cup of soy sauce
• ¼ cup of white wine
• 3 tbsp of cane vinegar
• 1 chorizo bilbao – diced
• 2 egg whites – whipped (this is for sealing the empanada pockets)
• 2 egg yolks (slightly whipped to brush on the exterior of the pockets)
• Salt – to add to taste to the content

Dough – Crust Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp of baking powder
• 1 tsp of salt
• 4 tbsp of sugar
• ½ cup of butter (cold & cubed)
• ½ cup of shortening
• 6 tbsp of cold water

To make the filling:

• In a large pan over medium heat – pour oil in pan and heat.
• Sauté unions and carrots until soft (approx. 5 minutes)
• Turn up heat to medium and cook ground beef along with the chorizo bilbao until browned
• Add potatoes to pan along with soy sauce, white wine, vinegar and raisins
• Reduce heat and cover pan, cook until content is soft (approximately 30 minutes)
• Add green peas and heat to cook through
• Add salt to taste

To make the Crust:

• With a large bowl sift flour, salt, sugar, baking powder together in bowl
• After mixing content – add in cubed butter and vegetable shortening
• Using a fork – stir till it forms a crumb
• Add cold water -1 tbsp at a time, all the while mixing well
• Knead dough for approximately 3 minutes and form into a ball
• Let stand for 15 minutes
• Roll out dough on surface and cut into desired size
• Fill the center by placing filling to interior of dough and fold to opposite ends.
• Crimp dough with fork or fingers and seal edge with egg
• Place on tray and brush egg white
• Preheat oven to 375F – bake approximately 30 minutes or until golden brown
• Once cooled, serve slightly warm
• Perfecto!