Picadillo Empanaditas

These delicious miniature ground beef turnovers are sure to be a hit at your next party or get-together.

Recipe Ingredients:

Filling:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons MAGGI Granulated Beef Ribs Flavor Bouillon
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice, undrained
2/3 cup chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives
1/2 cup currants
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup pine nuts (optional)
2 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons tomato paste

Pastry:
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable shortening, melted
1 cup warm milk
1 large egg, beaten
1 large egg yolk, beaten
Vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Directions:

1. For Filling: Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon and cloves. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes or until onion has softened. Add beef and bouillon; cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink. Add tomatoes with juice, olives, currants, water, nuts, sugar and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until mixture is heated through and has thickened slightly.
2. For Pastry: Combine flour, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add shortening, milk, egg and egg yolk. Stir with a fork until dough forms a ball. Divide dough into 40 pieces and roll into balls. Roll each ball on a floured surface to a 5-inch circle. Keep dough balls covered as you work.
3. Heat oil in large saucepan for frying.
4. To Assemble: Place 1 heaping tablespoon filling in center of each circle. Wet edges with water and fold in half; seal edges by pinching together or crimping with fork. Fry a few empanaditas at a time until golden brown or place on baking sheets and bake in preheated 400ºF (205ºC) oven for 15 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Makes 40 appetizer servings.

Tip: Make larger empanadas to serve as a main dish.

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® & Meals.com, used with permission.