Fried Empanadas

Step 1
Gather all ingredients.

Step 2
Make the dough: Stir flour and salt together in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3
Use a fork to stir in water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the mixture comes together.

Step 4
Pat into a ball and flatten slightly. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 5
Make the filling while dough is chilling: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 6
Add beef, paprika, cumin, pepper, and salt; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 7
Drain excess grease, then stir in the raisins and vinegar. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Step 8
Remove dough and filling from the refrigerator. Form dough into twenty-four 2-inch balls.

Step 9
Stir hard-cooked eggs into filling.

Step 10
Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (180 degrees C).

Step 11
While the oil is heating, roll one ball dough on a floured surface into a thin circle. Spoon some filling onto the center, fold dough into a half-moon shape, and press the edges with your fingers to seal. Repeat to fill and form remaining empanadas.

Step 12
Working in batches, fry 1 to 2 empanadas at a time in hot oil until browned, about 2 1/2 minutes per side.

Step 13
Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.