Ingredients and Weight:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter cubes and use your fingers to work them into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onions, bell peppers, and cilantro until softened. Add the shredded chicken, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook until heated through.
- Assemble the empanadas: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut out 8 circles (about 4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water). Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250 per empanada
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 12g
Dish Characteristics:
- Flaky and crispy crust
- Savory and flavorful filling
- Perfect for appetizers or main courses
User Comments:
- "These empanadas were absolutely delicious! The Caribbean flavors were amazing."
- "The dough was perfectly flaky and the filling was so flavorful."
- "I made these for a party and they were a huge hit."
- "I've never had empanadas before, but these were so good I'm definitely going to make them again."
- "The perfect way to experience Caribbean flavors without having to go to the islands."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure the dough is cold before rolling it out to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- If you don't have a pastry cutter, you can use two forks to cut the butter into the flour.
- You can fill the empanadas with any fillings you like. Some popular options include beef, pork, cheese, or vegetables.
- Empanadas can be baked or fried. If you choose to fry them, be sure to do so over medium-low heat to prevent the filling from leaking out.
