Appetizer > Spanish Tapas

Gofio and Chorizo Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of gofio flour
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of diced chorizo
- 1/4 cup of diced onion
- 1/4 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten

Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Empanada cutter or round cookie cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

For the dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix the gofio flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

For the filling:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chorizo, onion, and green bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are soft and the chorizo is browned.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool.

To assemble:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it's about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Use an empanada cutter or a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough.
4. Place a spoonful of the chorizo filling in the center of each circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
6. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
7. Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg.
8. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.


Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
Makes 12 empanadas

Nutritional information:
Calories: 180
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 310mg
Sugar: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Gofio flour can be substituted with cornmeal or masa harina.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
- Chorizo can be substituted with any other type of sausage or ground meat.
- Onion and green bell pepper can be substituted with any other type of vegetable.

Variations:
- Add cheese to the filling for a creamier texture.
- Use different spices to season the filling, such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder.
- Make a vegetarian version by using a filling of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling it out to prevent it from sticking.
- Don't overfill the empanadas or they will burst open during baking.
- Brushing the empanadas with egg wash will give them a shiny and golden crust.

Storage instructions:
- Store the empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the empanadas, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the empanadas on a platter with a side of salsa or guacamole.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Green onions
- Salsa
- Guacamole

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
- Pair with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.

Suggested side dishes:
- Rice and beans
- Grilled vegetables
- Salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add more water.
- If the dough is too wet, add more flour.
- If the empanadas burst open during baking, reduce the amount of filling or make sure the edges are well sealed.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chorizo is cooked through before using it as a filling.
- Store the empanadas in the fridge or freezer to prevent bacterial growth.

Food history:
- Gofio is a traditional flour made from roasted grains, commonly used in the Canary Islands and other parts of Spain.
- Empanadas are a popular pastry in Latin America and Spain, usually filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese.

Flavor profiles:
- The gofio flour adds a nutty and earthy flavor to the dough.
- The chorizo filling is savory and slightly spicy, with a smoky flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the empanadas as an appetizer or a main dish.
- They can be eaten hot or cold.

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Region: Spanish

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Rich, Hearty