Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground cornmeal - 2 cups (280 grams)
- All-purpose flour - 1 cup (125 grams)
- Vegetable oil - 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth - 2 cups (480 ml)
- Cream cheese - 8 oz (225 grams)
- Grated parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup (50 grams)
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Freshly chopped herbs like basil or oregano - 2 tablespoons
- Optional filling ingredients: cooked ground meat, diced bell peppers, olives, etc. (to personal preference)
Preparation Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes prep and cooking time)
Cooking Time: 45 minutes to an hour (depends on the stove and oven)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the dough: Mix cornmeal, flour, and oil with chicken broth until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and seasoning with your choice of filling ingredients.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into circles or cut out circles using a cookie cutter.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-circle and seal the edges well with your fingers or a fork.
- Brush the top of each empanada with some oil and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or condiments.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approx. 400-500 depending on the filling ingredients used.
Fat: Approx. 25-35 grams
Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50 grams
Protein: Approx. 15-25 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and savory empanadas with a cornmeal crust and a rich cheese filling.
- Can be customized with various fillings to suit different tastes.
- A perfect dish for those who enjoy Latin American cuisine with a touch of American influence.
User Comments:
- "These empanadas were delicious! The crust was crispy and the filling was creamy and flavorful."
- "I loved the combination of cornmeal and cream cheese in the empanadas. It was a unique and tasty dish."
- "I added some ground meat and diced bell peppers to the filling, which made it even more delicious."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas well to prevent leakage during baking.
- You can use store-bought pizza dough or any other type of dough if cornmeal is not available or not preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning and filling ingredients according to your personal taste preferences.
