Description
Mini empanadas filled with charred poblano peppers and cheese, served with a zesty pumpkin seed salsa, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) masa harina
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) canola oil or vegetable oil, plus more for frying
- 2 tsp agave nectar
- Water, as needed
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 poblano peppers, charred, peeled, and chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Empanada Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk or sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and masa harina.
- Add the oil and agave nectar – mix together well. Gradually add water until it forms a solid ball of dough. Depending on the flour, you might have to add a bit more oil if the dough is cracking and seems too dry.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface, knead for a minute or two until smooth.
- Wrap in plastic and place in fridge to rest.
Preparing the Peppers
- Turn the oven onto the broil setting.
- On a baking tray lined with foil, lay the poblanos and jalapeños in an even layer.
- Place the tray in the oven, about 4 inches from the broiler. Broil until the peppers have blackened on all sides – rotating every 15 minutes or so.
- Once fully charred, remove from the oven and use the foil to wrap the peppers until they have cooled enough to handle.
- For the poblanos – remove the stems and blackened skins and scrape the seeds away – if you rinse them under the tap, the seeds will come away easily.
- In a food processor, puree the poblanos along with the creme fraiche and a pinch of salt, until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Reserve to the side.
- Remove only the stems from the jalapeños and mince them. Reserve on the side for the pumpkin seed salsa.
Pumpkin Seed Salsa
- Drain the soaked pumpkin seeds.
- In a large frying pan, sauté the minced garlic in the olive oil until fragrant, ~3 minutes.
- Add the pumpkin seeds to the oil and sauté for another 4-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the pumpkin seeds and garlic to the bowl of a food processor.
- Add the cumin, chopped jalapenos and water. Puree until smooth, adding more water as necessary.
- Transfer the puree to a bowl and mix well to incorporate the chopped cilantro.
- Set aside.
Stuffing and Baking the Empanadas
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF
- Roll the rested empanada dough into a round that is roughly 1/8 inch thick.
- Use a round cookie or biscuit cutter to cut rounds that are 3-4 inches in diameter.
- Dollop a tsp or so of the poblano filling into the center of each round.
- Lightly dampen the edges of each pastry round with water, which will act as a glue.
- Fold the dough in half, over the filling and press the edges down to seal it.
- Use the tip of a fork to create ridges along the semi-circular edge, which also helps to ensure the empanada is sealed.
- On a baking tray lined with parchment, lay two rows of empanadas.
- Place the tray into the oven and bake for around 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve alongside the pumpkin seed salsa.
Notes
- To char the poblano peppers, you can use a gas stove, broiler, or grill.
- Letting the dough rest helps to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out.
- These empanadas can be made ahead and reheated in the oven before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 210
- Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5