Moroccan Empanadas
My family enjoys Moroccan flavors, so I make empanadas using beef and apricot preserves in pastry. Here’s a flaky hand pie with a spicy dipping sauce.
My family enjoys Moroccan flavors, so I make empanadas using beef and apricot preserves in pastry. Here’s a flaky hand pie with a spicy dipping sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- sauce:
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup apricot preserves
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3/4 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg yolk beaten
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 3/4 teaspoon moroccan seasoning (ras el hanout) or 1/2 teaspo
- 3 sheets refrigerated pie pastry
- Carbohydrate 6.66035929427918 g
- Cholesterol 26.7332767465 mg
- Fat 4.73480792111858 g
- Fiber 0.17651433559432 g
- Protein 3.82813990088077 g
- Saturated Fat 1.96770862538988 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (38g)
- Sodium 30.6176265376173 mg
- Sugar 6.48384495868486 g
- Trans Fat 0.621549373140427 g
- Calories 83 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 5-7 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain.
- Stir in cream cheese, preserves, carrot and seasonings. Cool slightly.
- On a lightly floured work surface, unroll pastry. Cut 40 circles with a floured 3-in. cookie cutter, rerolling dough as necessary.
- Place half of the circles 2 in. apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
- Top each with 1 rounded tablespoon beef mixture.
- Top with remaining pastry circles; press edges with a fork to seal.
- Brush tops with egg yolk; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cut slits in tops.
- Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, in a microwave, warm sauce ingredients, stirring to combine.
- Serve with empanadas.
- Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked empanadas on waxed paper-lined baking sheets until firm. Transfer to resealable plastic freezer bags; return to freezer. To use, bake empanadas as directed, increasing time as necessary. Prepare sauce as directed.
A Taste of Morocco in Every Bite: Homemade Moroccan Empanadas
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook elaborate meals can be a challenge. But that doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice delicious, flavorful food for my family. I always strive to create meals that are both satisfying and relatively quick to prepare, and these Moroccan Empanadas perfectly fit the bill. They’re a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the comforting warmth of Moroccan spices with the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked pastry. The secret? A little bit of planning and a lot of love.
The inspiration for these empanadas struck me during a particularly hectic week. I was craving something flavorful and unique, something beyond the usual weeknight routine. I had some leftover apricot preserves, and a sudden idea sparked – why not combine them with the rich, earthy tones of Moroccan spices and tender ground beef? The result was a surprising success. These little pockets of flavour are incredibly versatile. They're perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or even a delightful appetizer for a dinner party. The best part? They're adaptable to my family's ever-changing preferences – a little extra spice for my husband, a milder version for my children. And because they freeze so well, I often make a large batch and keep them on hand for those busy evenings when a quick and delicious meal is essential.
The beauty of these empanadas lies not only in their taste but also in their ease of preparation. Starting with store-bought pie pastry saves valuable time, letting me focus on the flavorful filling. The process itself is incredibly therapeutic – carefully crimping the edges of each empanada, brushing them with egg yolk, and sprinkling them with sesame seeds. It's a meditative act that allows me to disconnect from the daily hustle and connect with the joy of creating something delicious. And the aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake? It’s pure magic. The warm, spiced beef melding with the sweet apricot preserves creates a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting. The perfect balance of sweet and savory. It's a recipe that has become a weekly staple in our home, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation.
Beyond their deliciousness, these empanadas offer a wonderful opportunity to share a taste of Moroccan culture with my family. We often discuss the origin of the spices, the history of the dish, and the significance of food in different cultures. It's a fun and engaging way to broaden our horizons, one delicious bite at a time. For me, cooking isn't just about sustenance; it's about creating memories, fostering connections, and sharing a piece of my heart with those I love. These Moroccan empanadas have become more than just a meal; they've become a symbol of family, tradition, and the joy of creating something special in the kitchen.
The accompanying chili sauce adds a fiery kick that perfectly complements the sweet and savory filling. It's a simple sauce, easy to whip up, but it elevates the empanadas to a whole new level. The slight heat cuts through the richness of the beef and apricot, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. And the sesame seeds, those tiny brown jewels, add a delightful crunch that provides a pleasant textural contrast to the flaky pastry.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these Moroccan empanadas are a recipe worth exploring. They're a testament to the fact that delicious and impressive food doesn't always require hours of preparation. Sometimes, the simplest recipes, infused with love and a touch of creativity, can bring the most joy. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the magic of Moroccan flavors transport you to a place of culinary delight. Your family will thank you for it.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of Moroccan seasoning to your preference. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Different fruit: Experiment with other fruit preserves, such as fig or plum.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the filling and assemble the empanadas ahead of time. Freeze them unbaked for a quick meal later.
- Customize your sauce: Add a dash of honey or a squeeze of lime to the chili sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy the journey of creating these delicious and memorable Moroccan Empanadas!
