Appetizers - Meat and olive empanadas by Smaranda E. - Recipia
Ampanados with meat and olives

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a delicious and easy-to-make recipe: Ampanados with meat and olives. These treats will bring a burst of flavor to your table, suitable as both an appetizer and a snack. Today's recipe is a perfect example of how you can transform simple ingredients into amazing dishes, full of taste and texture.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20 ampandados

Recipe history
Ampanados are a popular choice in many cultures, where stuffed pastries not only represent a way to utilize leftovers but also a tradition of gathering family around the table. Whether you serve them at a party or as a delightful evening snack, these ampandados will win everyone's heart.

Ingredients
- 20 rounds of dough for ampandados or puff pastry
- 250 g minced meat (preferably beef, but you can also use chicken or pork)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 12 green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Step by step: Preparing Ampanados
1. Heating the oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. It is important that the oil is well heated to achieve an even frying of the ingredients.

2. Preparing the meat: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the crushed garlic and minced meat. Mix well, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Cook this mixture for about 7 minutes, or until the meat changes color and is well cooked.

3. Cooling the filling: Once the meat is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly. This step is essential because a filling that is too hot will cause the dough to break apart.

4. Mixing the ingredients: Transfer the meat mixture to a food processor. Add the chopped olives, parsley, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. Blend gently for just a few seconds until all the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to turn the filling into a paste; you want to maintain a pleasant texture.

5. Forming the ampandados: On a clean surface, lay out the rounds of dough. Using a teaspoon, place a portion of filling in the center of each round. Fold the dough in half, covering the filling, and press the edges to seal them. Use a fork to press the edges to ensure the ampandados do not open during baking.

6. Preparing for baking: Place the ampandados on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a brush, coat each ampandado with the beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the ampandados for 10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Remember to keep an eye on them as each oven bakes differently.

Mushroom sauce
To complement this delicious dish, I recommend making a quick mushroom sauce. Here’s how:

1. In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of mushroom-flavored soup powder and let it sauté for a bit.
3. Deglaze the mixture with a glass of hot water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of white wine and let the sauce simmer over low heat for 15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Serve the sauce warm in a small bowl alongside the ampandados.

Serving and variations
These ampandados with meat and olives are excellent both warm and cold, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or as a quick snack. You can experiment with different fillings by adding feta cheese, black olives, or even sautéed vegetables. Additionally, you can replace the meat with a vegetarian option, using chopped mushrooms or mixed vegetables.

Nutritional information
Ampandados are a good source of protein due to the meat used, and olives add a boost of healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. These snacks are ideal to be served alongside a fresh salad, which adds extra vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken is an excellent alternative and offers a different but equally delicious taste.

2. How can I make the dough from scratch?
If you prefer to make the dough at home, mix flour, water, a pinch of salt, and a bit of olive oil, kneading until you achieve an elastic consistency.

3. Can I freeze the ampandados?
Yes, you can freeze the ampandados before baking them. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

In conclusion, Ampanados with meat and olives represent a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that will delight everyone's taste buds. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, these snacks will surely become family favorites. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!
Appetizers - Meat and olive empanadas by Smaranda E. - Recipia

Categories