Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese (cheddar or gouda)
- 1/2 cup of diced ham
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- 3-inch round cookie cutter or glass
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use the cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles.
6. Place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated cheese, diced ham, and chopped parsley.
8. Spoon a small amount of the cheese and ham mixture onto each circle of dough.
9. Fold the dough over and press the edges together to seal.
10. Use a fork to crimp the edges of each tacuarine.
11. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
12. Bake the tacuarines for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes 12 tacuarines
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 tacuarine):
Calories: 150
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 280mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or sausage.
Variations:
- Add diced onions or bell peppers to the cheese and ham mixture for added flavor.
- Use different herbs such as thyme or rosemary instead of parsley.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is chilled before mixing it into the flour mixture.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make it tough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.
Storage instructions:
Store the tacuarines in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the tacuarines in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the tacuarines on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley
Pairings:
Serve the tacuarines with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Tomato soup
- Black bean soup
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- If the tacuarines are not sealing properly, brush a little water on the edges before pressing them together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the tacuarines thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Tacuarines are a traditional Paraguayan dish that originated in the city of Villarrica. They are similar to empanadas and are typically filled with cheese and ham.
Flavor profiles:
The tacuarines have a buttery and flaky crust with a savory filling of cheese and ham. The fresh parsley adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the tacuarines as an appetizer or snack.
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