Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeno pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 package (15 count) refrigerated empanada dough
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine chicken, onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.
3. Add cheese and mix until combined.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out empanada dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
5. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles of dough.
6. Place 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture in the center of each circle.
7. Brush edges of dough with beaten egg.
8. Fold dough in half and press edges together with a fork to seal.
9. Place empanadas on a baking sheet.
10. Brush tops of empanadas with beaten egg.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: Makes 15 empanadas
Nutritional Information: Per empanada: Calories: 150, Fat: 6g, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 8g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the chicken, you can substitute ground beef, pork, or turkey.
- For the cheese, you can substitute any type of shredded cheese.
- For the jalapeno pepper, you can substitute any type of pepper.
Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
- For a spicier version, you can add extra jalapeno pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to press the edges of the empanadas together firmly so that they don’t open up during baking.
- You can also use a pizza cutter to cut out the circles of dough instead of a cookie cutter.
Storage Instructions:
Store empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat empanadas in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve empanadas with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or diced avocado.
Pairings:
Pair with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the empanadas are not sealing properly, you can use a little bit of water to help seal the edges.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the empanadas until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food History:
Empanadas are a popular dish in Latin American cuisine that have been around for centuries.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with a hint of spice.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish.
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Region: Spanish