Ever stumbled into the kitchen, stomach growling, and thought, “I need something mind-blowingly delicious, stat”? Enter the hero of our story: Turkey Empanadas.
Imagine the juiciest turkey, herbs dancing through every bite, all cradled in a buttery, flaky pastry. It’s not just food; it’s a culinary hug. And I’m here to guide you through making these bad boys, one laugh and pro tip at a time.
Ready to up your snack game? Let’s get this tasty adventure rolling.
Why Use Ground Turkey as an Empanada Filling?
Ground turkey in empanadas is like that one friend who gets along with everyone at the party. It’s lean, mean (in a good way), and incredibly versatile. First off, it’s a healthier twist on traditional fillings, packing protein without the guilt-trip of red meat.
Plus, it’s like a blank canvas for flavors; it graciously welcomes all the spices and herbs you wanna throw at it, making each bite a flavor bomb. And let’s not forget, it cooks up faster than saying “delicious,” making your kitchen adventures as breezy as a sitcom without the laugh track.
Secret To A Flaky Empanada Crust
The real MVP of any empanada isn’t just what’s inside; it’s that heavenly crust. Picture this: each bite is a crunch, a flake-fest of buttery goodness. So, what’s the secret handshake to this flaky paradise? Butter. Cold, unapologetic butter. And technique. You gotta keep everything chill, like your butter just stepped out of the fridge, thinking it’s cool. Because it is.
When you work that dough, do it with the tenderness of a first date—no overworking. Let it rest because good things come to those who wait. Then, when it’s baking time, that cold butter will create steam pockets, making your empanada crust the stuff of legends. That’s the secret: cold butter, gentle hands, and patience. Welcome to the flaky crust club.
Step by Step Instructions in Making Turkey Empanadas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 empanadas
What type of food it is
| Type of Course: | Appetizer/Main Dish |
| Type of Cuisine: | Latin American |
| Total Calories: | Approx. 200 calories per empanada |
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated cheese (your choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped olives (optional)
- Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Tools:
- Large frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Empanada press or a round cutter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Brush
Preparation:
Sauté the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft. Toss in the ground turkey, breaking it apart. Sprinkle cumin and smoked paprika over the meat. Stir well until the turkey is cooked through. Pour in chicken broth, simmer until it’s mostly evaporated. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cool, then mix in cheese and olives if using.
Prepare the Dough: If using homemade dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use an empanada press or a round cutter (about 5 inches in diameter) to cut out circles.
Assemble the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the turkey mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing down with a fork or by folding them if you’re feeling fancy.
Get Ready to Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the empanadas on the prepared sheet, leaving some space between them. Brush the tops with beaten egg for that golden finish.
Bake ‘Em Up: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool for a minute (if you can wait that long) and dive in. These turkey empanadas are perfect on their own, or you can dip them in your favorite sauce for extra yum.
And there you have it, folks—turkey empanadas that’ll make your taste buds dance. Step by step, you’ve created a masterpiece. Let’s not forget the real hero here: your patience and culinary skills. High five to you!
TIP for the Recipe:
For that golden touch and extra crunch, brush the tops of your empanadas with a beaten egg before popping them into the oven. It’s like giving them a little spa treatment that results in a shiny, crispy exterior.
Wrapping Up
In a world of flavors, Turkey Empanadas stand out as a symbol of versatility and taste. From their flaky crust to their savory filling, these delights offer a culinary journey worth savoring. Don’t just take my word for it; grab those ingredients and embark on your own flavorful adventure today!
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