Picadillo Empanaditas

Official MAGGI®
Picadillo Empanaditas
Level
Challenging
Prep 
45 min
Cook 
35 min
Servings
40 appetizer servings

The Secret Ingredient

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 1/4 cups finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons MAGGI Granulated Beef Flavor Bouillon
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes in juice, undrained
  • 2/3 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives
  • 1/2 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vegetable shortening, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 large egg yolk, beaten
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Make It

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon and cloves. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes or until onion has softened. Add beef and bouillon; cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Add tomatoes with juice, olives, currants, water, nuts, sugar and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mixture is heated through and has thickened slightly.

Step 2

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add shortening, milk, egg and egg yolk. Stir with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough into 40 pieces and roll into balls. Roll each ball on a floured surface to a 5-inch circle. Keep dough balls covered as you work.

Step 3

Heat oil in large saucepan for frying.

Step 4

Place 1 heaping tablespoon filling in center of each circle. Wet edges with water and fold in half; seal edges by pinching together or crimping with fork. Fry a few empanaditas at a time until golden brown or place on baking sheets and bake in preheated 400º F oven for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.