Cheesy Beef Pockets (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Flaky Dough

01 - 2 cups (250g) plain flour
02 - 1/2 cup (115g) chilled unsalted butter, diced small
03 - 1/2 teaspoon of salt
04 - 1/4 cup (60ml) ice-cold water
05 - 1 large egg, whisked

→ Savory Filling

06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 small onion, minced
08 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
09 - 1/2 pound (225g) minced beef
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 - 1/2 teaspoon table salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar
17 - 1/4 cup (30g) chopped green olives (optional)
18 - 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped

→ Assembly

19 - 1 large egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water for brushing

# Instructions:

01 - Mix the salt into the flour in a big bowl. Cut in the chilled butter until it looks crumbly. Stir in the egg and cold water until it comes together. If it's too dry, add a little more water. Knead briefly, form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
02 - Warm olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic and onion until soft. Add the minced beef and cook until browned, draining off any excess fat. Mix in the spices and tomato paste, letting them cook for a bit. Take it off the heat and fold in parsley, cheese, and olives if you're using them. Let it cool a bit.
03 - On a floured counter, roll out the cold dough until it's about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter to make 4- to 5-inch circles. Fill each circle with 2 tablespoons of the cooled filling. Fold over to make a half-moon shape, pressing the edges with a fork to seal. Brush with the egg mixture.
04 - Place your empanadas on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn crispy and golden. Cool a little before eating.

# Notes:

01 - You can make these ahead, freeze unbaked, and keep for up to 3 months.
02 - Using ready-made dough from the store is a great shortcut.
03 - Fry instead of bake: Heat oil to 350°F and fry 3-4 minutes per side.

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