Spinach and Cheese Empanadas
Spinach and Cheese Empanadas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. These empanadas are a great way to enjoy the flavors of spinach and cheese in a crispy, flaky pastry shell. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the ice water and stir until the dough comes together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until it comes together into a smooth ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper and cook for another minute.
4. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough. Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
7. Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve the empanadas hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Appearance and Taste:
These Spinach and Cheese Empanadas are a perfect combination of crispy, flaky pastry and a savory, cheesy filling. The golden brown crust is perfectly crisp and the filling is bursting with flavor. The spinach adds a fresh, earthy flavor, while the cheese adds a rich, creamy texture. These empanadas are a great appetizer or snack that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Type of Dish: Appetizer, Snack
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Cheese, Pastry
