The empanada, or empada, is a stuffed pastry that is baked or fried in order to achieve its signature crust. This dish is commonly served in Latin America and Southern Europe, and can be eaten as a main course or dessert. By adding bell peppers and a little bit of chicken stock to the stuffing, you can retain the juiciness of the insides. These turnovers are great as a meal, or as a small snack. I hope you give this recipe a try sometime!

Total cook time: 45 min;

Serving size: 10-12 empanadas

Ingredients for filling:                                      Ingredients for dough:

8 oz. chicken breast                                          2 cups all purpose flour

½ cup bell pepper                                             ½ tsp. salt

½ cup diced tomatoes                                     ⅓ cup white sugar

½ cup cheese                                                    1 egg

1 tbsp. cumin                                                     ½ cup water

½ tsp. paprika

1 tbsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tbsp. chicken stock

Directions: 

1. Separate the egg into yolk and white. Then, in a small bowl, mix the egg yolk and water together.

2. In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, sugar). Push the flour to the edge of the bowl and form a small well in the center of the mixture. Slowly pour in the water and egg mixture and whisk until the dough is combined. Then, form 10-12 four inch disks.

3. Dice up the chicken into 1 inch cubes and fry in pan with vegetable oil; do not season.

4. Now in a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the empanada filling together and mix thoroughly.

5. Lay out two large baking tray and line with aluminum foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray and lay the disks onto the tray. Split the empanada disk in half and fill one side with a large spoon of filling. Repeat for the remaining empanadas.

6.  Bring the other side of the empanada disk around the filling. With a fork, press down on the edges of the empanada to fully seal it. Repeat with the other empanadas. Then, with your remaining egg white from step 1, brush the surface of the crust with the whites.

7. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 15 mins. and your empanadas will be ready to eat!

Let the empanadas rest for a few minutes and serve with a little grated cheese on top. Enjoy cooking!

~Anni