Empanadas with Smoked Cheese

Empanadas with Smoked Cheese Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Argentina

Region / culture: Argentina | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Empanadas with Smoked Cheese are a delicious and savory dish that is perfect for a snack or appetizer. The combination of the flaky dough and the gooey, melted cheese makes for a mouthwatering treat that is sure to please any crowd.

History

Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries, with each region putting its own unique twist on the recipe. The addition of smoked cheese adds a rich and smoky flavor to the traditional empanada, making it a favorite among cheese lovers.

Ingredients

Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
5 tbsp solid vegetable shortening
1 large beaten egg
0.33 cup water

Filling

10 oz (283 g) finely diced smoked mozzarella cheese
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

How to prepare

Dough

In a food processor, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
Add shortening and pulse on/off until the mixture resembles cornmeal.
Add the egg and water and pulse just until the dough comes together in a ball.
The dough should be pliable; if necessary, add 1 tsp or so more water.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.13 inch.
Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the dough.
Gather up the scraps into a ball, roll out again, and cut until all the dough is used.

Assembly

Lightly brush the top of each circle with water.
Place a spoonful of diced cheese in the center and fold the circle to form a half moon.
Seal the edges by pleating with your fingertips or pinching with a fork.
Just before serving, pour oil to a depth of 1 inch in a heavy skillet or electric frying pan and heat to 350°F (177°C).
Working in batches, fry the empanadas, turning with a slotted spoon, until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes.
Drain the empanadas on paper towels and serve.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or green chilies to the filling for a spicy kick.
Substitute the smoked cheese with another type of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying.

- Use a high-quality smoked cheese for the best flavor.

- Fry the empanadas in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Empanadas with Smoked Cheese with a side of salsa or guacamole for a tasty dipping sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Frying is the traditional cooking technique for Empanadas with Smoked Cheese, but they can also be baked in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can use butter or lard as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the empanadas just before frying for a quick and easy snack.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Empanadas with Smoked Cheese on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Empanadas with Smoked Cheese with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Empanadas with Smoked Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Empanadas with Smoked Cheese contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Empanadas with Smoked Cheese contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Empanadas with Smoked Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Empanadas with Smoked Cheese contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Empanadas with Smoked Cheese are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Empanadas with Smoked Cheese contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Empanadas with Smoked Cheese are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in fats and proteins, making them a filling snack or appetizer option.

Summary

Empanadas with Smoked Cheese are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a gooey cheese filling, these empanadas are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Empanadas with Smoked Cheese. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was known throughout our small town for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

On that particular day, Maria was busy preparing a batch of empanadas for a family gathering later that evening. As she worked, the delicious aroma of smoked cheese filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I watched intently as Maria expertly folded the dough around the cheesy filling, creating perfectly shaped empanadas that looked almost too good to eat.

"Would you like to learn how to make these empanadas, dear?" Maria asked with a twinkle in her eye. I eagerly nodded, knowing that this recipe would be a valuable addition to my collection of family favorites.

Maria began by showing me how to make the dough from scratch, mixing flour, water, and just a touch of salt until it formed a soft, pliable dough. As we worked together, she shared the story of how she had learned to make empanadas from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

"Every family has their own twist on empanadas," Maria explained, "and I like to add smoked cheese for an extra layer of flavor. It's a little secret that always surprises and delights my guests."

Once the dough was ready, Maria taught me how to roll it out and cut it into circles using a small plate as a guide. She then showed me how to spoon a generous portion of smoked cheese filling onto each circle, folding the dough over and crimping the edges to seal in the delicious goodness.

As we worked side by side, Maria shared more stories from her childhood, recalling the days when she would help her grandmother in the kitchen, learning the art of cooking from a master. I listened intently, soaking up every detail and feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a talented chef.

Finally, the empanadas were ready to be baked, and Maria carefully placed them on a baking sheet before sliding them into the oven. As we waited for them to cook, she poured us each a glass of homemade lemonade and we sat at the kitchen table, chatting and laughing as the tantalizing scent of freshly baked empanadas filled the room.

When the timer dinged, we eagerly pulled the golden brown empanadas out of the oven, marveling at how perfectly they had turned out. Maria insisted on trying one right away, and as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own family for years to come.

As I bid Maria farewell that evening, armed with a batch of freshly baked empanadas and a hand-written copy of the recipe, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond we shared and the culinary secrets she had passed down to me. I knew that whenever I made these empanadas in the future, I would think of Maria and the special moments we had shared in her kitchen, creating memories that would last a lifetime. And so, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I set off for home, eager to share my newfound culinary skills with my own loved ones.