Video:How to Make Empanada Dough

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Transcript:How to Make Empanada Dough

My name is Jenna Blackwell for About.com Food and these stuffed pastries are Empanadas.

Now, the name empanada comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.

While empanadas are usually known for their variety of fillings, a great empanada begins with fantastic dough and today I’m going to show you how to make it.

Empanada Ingredients

The ingredients you’ll need are:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 3 tablespoons shortening

Mix Empanada Ingredients

Beat the 1/2 cup of water, egg, egg white and vinegar together in a bowl then set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix together the 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Cut the shortening into the flour mix.

Make a well in the center and pour the water, egg and vinegar mixture into the center.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients with a fork until it becomes stiff.

Knead the Empanada Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead it just until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.

Refrigerate the Empanada Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but never more than 24 hours.

If you want to keep the dough longer than 24 hours you can simply freeze it!

Empanadas can be baked or fried as an appetizer, main dish or even a dessert.

You’re guests may rave about the scrumptious fillings, but you’ll know the secret to a great empanada is the dough! I’m Jenna Blackwell for About.com Food.