Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped ham
- 1/2 cup chopped American cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ham, American cheese, pickled jalapenos, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Cut each crust into 4 equal pieces.
5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the ham and cheese mixture onto one half of each pie crust piece.
6. Fold the other half of the pie crust over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas closed.
7. Brush the beaten egg over the empanadas.
8. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 empanadas
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 620mg
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of American cheese.
- You can use any type of meat you prefer instead of ham.
Variations:
- You can add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
- You can use a different type of pie crust such as puff pastry or homemade dough.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to crimp the edges of the empanadas well to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Serve the empanadas with salsa or sour cream for dipping.
Storage instructions:
Store the empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the empanadas in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the empanadas on a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Garnishes:
Chopped cilantro or green onions
Pairings:
Serve the empanadas with a side salad or rice and beans.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad or rice and beans
Troubleshooting advice:
If the empanadas are leaking filling while baking, make sure to crimp the edges well and brush the beaten egg over the edges to seal them.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the empanadas until they are golden brown and heated through to ensure that the filling is cooked properly.
Food history:
Empanadas are a traditional Latin American pastry that can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as meat, cheese, and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The chopped cheese and ham empanadas have a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the ham, cheese, and pickled jalapenos.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the empanadas as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side salad or rice and beans.
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