Bolivian Baked Empanadas
Makes about 6 medium-sized pastries Empanadas (also known as salteñas) are a traditional Bolivian food that can be eaten as a snack or a small meal. These stuffed pastries can be filled with a variety of stuffings - beef, chicken, vegetables, egg, cheese, etc., and are delicious hot or cold.
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Ingredients
Dough: - 3 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 oz unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
Filling: This is where you can get creative! Pura Rivera’s simple cheese empanadas contain cheese and chopped green onions. But if you’re feeling adventurous, add your favorite meats and veggies, such as bell peppers, ground beef, garlic, onions, etc.
Directions- Prepare your choice of filling by cooking any meat or vegetables first, and then combine with cheese. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the butter, egg and milk until a dough forms. Tip: Add a little extra milk to improve elasticity of dough, if needed.
- Form dough into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- When the dough has chilled enough, remove it from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Using a rolling pin, roll dough out on a floured surface to form a thin layer, then use circular cookie cutters (or for larger empanadas use the rim of a coffee canister) to cut circles from the dough. Each circle of dough will make one empanada.
- Place a heaping spoonful of the filling into the center of the circle. Moisten the edges of the circle with water.
- Fold over one side and pinch the edges closed, or press down on the edges with a fork for a more uniform appearance. Make sure to seal the empanada tightly, or cheese will spill out when baking. Tip: lightly brush outside of empanada with egg white and sprinkle with salt for better texture and flavor.
- Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 15-
20 minutes, or until they are light golden brown.
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