Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion , chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound ground pork
3 hard-cooked eggs , chopped
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped black olives
1 cup water
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 cup lukewarm milk
1 cup shortening , melted
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 eggs , beaten
Empanadas are a popular food in Chile and other Latin American countries. These savory pastries are typically filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or a combination of these ingredients. The Chilean version of the empanada is especially flavorful, thanks to its unique blend of spices and seasonings. While empanadas can take some time to prepare, they are well worth the effort, as they make a filling and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on the go or at home. Whether you're serving them as a snack or a main course, Chilean empanadas are sure to please your taste buds.

Instructions

1.Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3.Add the garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute.
4.Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.
5.Stir in the hard-cooked eggs, raisins, and black olives.
6.In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until dissolved, then stir into the pork mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
7.Remove from heat and set aside.
8.In a large bowl, mix together the lukewarm milk, melted shortening, salt, and eggs.
9.Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth ball.
10.On a floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes, then cut into 12 equal pieces.
11.Roll each piece into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
12.Spoon a generous amount of the pork mixture onto one half of each circle.
13.Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, crimping the edges together to seal.
14.Brush each empanada with beaten egg and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

PROS

Chilean empanadas are a versatile and portable meal option that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

They are filling and flavorful, and can be customized to include a variety of fillings.

CONS

Empanadas can be high in calories and fat due to the dough and fillings.

They are also time-consuming to make from scratch.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While empanadas are not the healthiest meal option, they can be made more nutritious by using lean meat and including plenty of vegetables in the filling.
The meat provides protein, while the olives and raisins add fiber and vitamins. The cumin and oregano in the filling have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic disease.

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