Meat Empanada Filling Recipe
These delightful Meat Empanadas, steeped in history, likely find their origins in the Middle East, carried into Spain by the Moors, making them a true testament to cultural fusion. As a popular snack (tapa) in Spanish-speaking countries, these little minced meat pies are particularly beloved in Mexico and northern New Mexico, especially around Christmas time. With a medley of spices, nuts, and a touch of sweetness, this filling will bring a burst of flavor to your empanadas, perfect for sharing with family and friends or serving at gatherings.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Meat Empanada Filling |
| Prep Time | 45 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Description | Traditional Spanish meat filling, perfect for empanadas. |
| Category | Pork |
| Servings | 16 servings |
| Calories per serving | 423.2 calories |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef stew meat | 2 pounds |
| Raisins | 1 ¼ cups |
| Pine nuts | 1 cup |
| Pecans | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | 1 ½ tablespoons |
| Dark corn syrup | To taste (if needed) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 20.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 59 mg |
| Sodium | 52.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sugars | 36.4 g |
| Protein | 16.6 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Meat: Begin by placing the beef stew meat into a large pot of boiling water. Allow the meat to boil until it becomes tender, which should take approximately 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot and allow it to cool. Once it is cool enough to handle, grind the meat finely using a food processor or meat grinder.
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Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the minced meat with the raisins, pine nuts, pecans, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Adjust Consistency: The filling should be moist to ensure it stays flavorful when cooked. If the mixture appears too dry, add additional dark corn syrup or apple jelly, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
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Taste and Season: Before using the filling, it’s advisable to taste it. Adjust the spices, sweetness, and moisture according to your preference, making sure it is well-balanced.
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Assemble the Empanadas: Use this filling to fill your prepared empanada dough (see my recipe for Empanada Dough). Be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent any filling from leaking out during cooking.
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Cooking Time: The cooking time for the empanadas will depend on your chosen method (baking or frying) and is not included in this recipe’s preparation time.
These Meat Empanadas make for a wonderful snack or appetizer that is perfect for large gatherings or festive occasions, providing a delicious taste of history and culture. With a mixture of savory beef and sweet accents from the fruits and nuts, they are sure to be a hit at any table, inviting smiles and satisfied appetites. Enjoy the process of creating these flavorful bites that carry with them the stories of travelers and traders from long ago!
