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Ham and Cheese Empanadas
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the cold butter pieces using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the diced ham, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped green bell pepper, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough (about 5 inches in diameter).
- Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
The history of ham and cheese empanadas dates back to Spain, where the empanada originated. Empanadas are a popular dish in Spanish and Latin American cuisine, and the ham and cheese variation has become a beloved classic. The flaky pastry filled with savory ham and gooey melted cheese has won the hearts of food lovers around the world. In Spain, renowned chefs like José Andrés have put their own spin on the traditional empanada, incorporating high-quality Spanish ham and artisanal cheeses. In Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, empanadas are a staple of the culinary scene, with each region adding its own unique touch to the recipe. Today, the best ham and cheese empanadas can be found in authentic Spanish and Latin American restaurants, where skilled chefs use premium ingredients and time-honored techniques to create the perfect balance of flavors. The key to a delicious ham and cheese empanada lies in the quality of the ham and cheese, as well as the flakiness of the pastry. While some may opt for a traditional wheat flour pastry, others may experiment with alternative methods such as using corn flour for a gluten-free version. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, ham and cheese empanadas continue to be a beloved dish that brings people together to savor its irresistible combination of flavors.
55 min
12
250 calories
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