Lamb Empanadas

Uncover the irresistible flavors of Lamb Empanadas, a savory fusion of tender, spiced lamb and a buttery, flaky pastry shell. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, paprika, and oregano, the ground lamb filling is enriched with the tangy pop of green olives, the subtle sweetness of raisins, and the richness of hard-boiled egg. Each empanada is hand-crimped for a charming, rustic look and finished with a golden egg wash before baking to perfection. These handheld delights are ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a snack with flair, or even a centerpiece for a casual dinner party. With a harmonious blend of textures and bold, comforting flavors, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1 egg (for dough)
• 0.5 cup ice water
• 1 teaspoon salt (for dough)
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (for filling)
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup green olives (chopped)
• 0.25 cup raisins
• 1 hard-boiled egg (chopped)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2

Whisk 1 egg with the ice water. Gradually add to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground lamb until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.

Step 5

Return the lamb to the skillet. Stir in the chopped green olives, raisins, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Mix well and remove from heat. Allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 4-6 inch round cutter to cut out circles.

Step 8

Place a spoonful of the cooled lamb filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and crimp with a fork to seal.

Step 9

Whisk the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.

Step 10

Arrange the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 11

Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1558.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4421.4

Total Fat 268.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 135.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 1379.9mg	0%
Sodium 8303.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 331.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.0g	0%
Total Sugars 33.2g
Protein 173.4g	0%

Vitamin D 143.1IU	0%
Calcium 443.8mg	0%
Iron 32.9mg	0%
Potassium 2763.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.4%

Protein: 15.7%

Carbs: 29.9%