Carbonada Criolla Mini Empanadas

These tasty Latin American hand pies are stuffed with the comforting flavors of Argentinean carbonada criolla, a tasty beef and vegetable stew. Serve with a side salad for a satisfying meal.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr
• Total Time: 4 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 132 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 2 small tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 large bay leaves
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small sweet potato, diced
• 2 cups oil, or as needed
• 1 ½ pounds thinly sliced beef
• 1 small pear, diced
• 3 (11.5 ounce) packages frozen empanada wrappers (12-ct), thawed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine beef, undrained corn, tomatoes, sweet potato, zucchini, pear, onion, bell pepper, chicken bouillon, olive oil, garlic, oregano, parsley, paprika, cumin, and bay leaves in a slow cooker. Cook on High until beef is tender and vegetables are soft, 4 to 6 hours.

Step 2

Drain liquid and allow filling to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Discard bay leaves.

Step 3

Scoop 3 tablespoons of cooled filling into the center of an empanada wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half and press the edges together to enclose the filling. Seal by crimping the edges or pressing them together with a fork. Repeat until all empanada wrappers are filled.

Step 4

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Without overcrowding, lower empanadas in batches into the hot oil and fry until golden, about 5 minutes, turning halfway through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you cook remaining batches.