Latin American > Cuban > Cuban Appetizers

Medianoche Empanadas Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of empanada dough (12 count)
- 1 pound of cooked and shredded pork
- 1/2 cup of diced ham
- 1/2 cup of diced Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped pickles
- 1/4 cup of yellow mustard
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded pork, diced ham, Swiss cheese, chopped pickles, and yellow mustard. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.

4. Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out circles of dough.

5. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pork mixture onto the center of each dough circle.

6. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

7. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

8. Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 12 empanadas

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 14g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork can be substituted with chicken or beef.
- Ham can be substituted with bacon or prosciutto.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with cheddar or mozzarella.
- Pickles can be substituted with relish or capers.
- Yellow mustard can be substituted with Dijon or honey mustard.

Variations:
- Add diced onions or bell peppers to the filling.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or feta.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to seal the empanadas well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Brushing the empanadas with egg wash will give them a shiny and golden brown finish.
- Serve the empanadas with extra mustard or dipping sauce on the side.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Arrange the empanadas on a platter and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro

Pairings:
- Serve the empanadas with a side of black beans and rice.

Suggested side dishes:
- Black beans and rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Plantain chips

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the empanadas are leaking during baking, make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling them.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Empanadas are a popular dish in Latin American cuisine and can be filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings.

Flavor profiles:
- The Medianoche Empanadas have a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the combination of pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the empanadas as an appetizer or main dish.

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Region: Cuban

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Cheesy, Meaty, Sweet