Cuban Picadillo Empanada Pockets — the perfect handheld flavor bomb 🇨🇺🥟🔥 Imagine savory ground beef simmered with olives, raisins, and warm spices, tucked inside golden, flaky pastry. It’s sweet, salty, spiced, and satisfying — classic Cuban comfort food with a crispy twist.
🥟 Cuban Picadillo Empanada Pockets
Ingredients (Makes 10–12 empanadas):
For the Picadillo Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup green olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional but traditional!)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
For the Dough (or use store-bought empanada discs):
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- ⅓–½ cup cold water
- 1 tbsp vinegar
To Finish:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Cilantro, lime wedges, or chimichurri for serving (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
- Make the Dough:
- Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Whisk egg, water, and vinegar; mix into flour until dough forms.
- Knead briefly, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Picadillo:
- In a skillet, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, and pepper until soft.
- Add ground beef and brown it. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in tomato sauce, olives, raisins, and spices.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, adjusting seasoning. Let cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas:
- Roll out dough and cut into 4–6 inch circles.
- Spoon cooled filling onto each round. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Bake or Fry:
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake on parchment-lined sheet for 20–25 min until golden.
- To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry until golden and crisp, 2–3 min per side.
- Serve Hot:
- Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or served with a zesty dip or salad.
💡 Pro Tips:
- Add chopped potatoes or a splash of white wine to stretch the filling.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Craving a gorgeous shot of these golden beauties, oozing savory-sweet filling? I can cook one up! Just let me know if you want the pic or a fun post-ready caption.
