Beef, Sweet Potato, and Raisin Turnovers

Name: Beef, Sweet Potato, and Raisin Turnovers
Yield: makes 12 pastries
Ingredients: 8 3/4 ounces (1 3/4 cups) bleached all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon sugar (use 1 tablespoon for a stronger savory-sweet contrast); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoon shortening, chilled; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces; 1 large egg yolk combined with 5 tablespoons ice water; 1 tablespoon canola oil; 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion; 1 clove garlic, minced; 3 ounces ground beef (preferably chuck); 1/3 cup diced sweet potato (orange-flesh variety preferred); 1/4 cup water; 2 teaspoons light (regular) soy sauce; 1 pinch of salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons raisins; 1 large egg, separated; All-purpose flour, for dusting

December 9, 2011

Like fried lumpia (see page 87), these savory-sweet turnovers are beloved Filipino snacks. Empanadas in the Philippines are usually deep-fried, as they are in other places, such as Argentina, where the Spanish pastry has also been adopted. Filipino-American cooks, however, mostly wrap theirs in a short pastry crust and bake them, with delicious results. If you’ve never had Asian pastries like those in this section, this is a good one to start with because it is easy to prepare and love. For richer, deep-fried empanadas, swap the filling below for the one used in the Shrimp, Pork, and Jicama Turnovers (page 118) or Curry Puffs (page 125) recipe. Feel free to substitute other ground meat for the beef.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.