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Ham and Cheese Empanadas with Spicy Salsa
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 onions
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the cold water, tossing with a fork until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the diced ham, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped green onions, chopped red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough.
- 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.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the empanadas with the egg wash.
- Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the empanadas are baking, prepare the spicy salsa by combining the diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, minced jalapeno pepper, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
- Serve the hot empanadas with the spicy salsa on the side, and enjoy!
The history of Ham and Cheese Empanadas dates back to Spain, where the empanada originated. Empanadas are a popular dish in Latin American cuisine, and the combination of ham and cheese has become a beloved filling for these savory turnovers. The flaky pastry crust envelops a delicious mixture of savory ham and gooey melted cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The addition of a side of spicy salsa adds a kick of heat to complement the richness of the empanadas. This dish is a favorite in many Latin American countries, and it has also gained popularity in the United States. Chefs and home cooks alike have put their own spin on this classic recipe, adding their favorite spices and ingredients to create unique variations. The best version of this dish can be found in authentic Latin American restaurants, where skilled chefs craft the perfect empanadas with a crispy, golden crust and a flavorful, cheesy filling. The key to making great Ham and Cheese Empanadas is using high-quality ham and cheese, as well as mastering the technique of folding and sealing the empanada dough to ensure a perfect, flaky crust. While the classic recipe calls for ham and cheese, there are also delicious alternative fillings to explore, such as spinach and feta or shredded chicken with peppers. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, Ham and Cheese Empanadas with a side of spicy salsa are sure to satisfy any craving for a flavorful, handheld meal.
55 min
12 empanadas
250 per empanada calories
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