Empanada Fillings

For dough, please visit http://ducbeemtnccc.blogspot.com/2022/11/empanada-dough.html

INGREDIENTS

Spicy Chicken (makes ~18 -5" Empanadas):

• 1 Chicken Breast
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 1 Garlic
• 1 Poblano
• 1 Jalapeno
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 14oz can Diced Tomatoes
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• Salt
• Pinch Cumin
• Pinch Cloves (3-4 Cloves crushed)
• ½ tsp Cinnamon Ground

Mushroom (makes ~18 -5" Empanadas):

• 1 pint Mushroom of Choice (Baby Portobella)
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 1 Garlic
• 1 Carrot (thinly sliced)
• 1 Jalapeno
• 1 14oz can Diced Tomatoes
• Cheese Optional (e.g., Manchego, Mozzarella, etc.)
• 1 cups Chicken Broth
• Salt
• Pinch Cumin
• Pinch Cloves
• ½ tsp Cinnamon Ground

Spinach (makes ~18 -5" Empanadas):

• ¼ cup onion, diced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• pinch nutmeg

Steak (makes ~18 -5" Empanadas):

• 6 - 8oz Steak
• ½ Red Onion
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• ½ Jalapeno
• 1 Teaspoon Merkén (also known as merquén)

Beef (makes ~18 -5" Empanadas):

•  4 tablespoons of butter or oil
•  1 white onion diced
•  2-3 garlic cloves crushed
•  1 tablespoon of dry oregano
•  2-3 teaspoons of ground cumin
•  2 teaspoons of annatto or achiote powder
•  1 lb ground beef
•  Salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan set over medium-high heat
2. Add onion and sauté for a couple of minutes, until it becomes translucent and soft
3. Incorporate chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant
4. Incorporate the meat and the salt and let it cook for about 8 minutes, until cooked and lightly browned
5. Pour in tomato and let it season, stirring often, for 5 to 6 minutes, until it has deepened its color, thickened in consistency and lost the raw flavor
6. Pour in the chicken broth or water, cumin, cloves and cinnamon
7. Stir well and let it cook 15 minutes more
8. Add remainder of the ingredient, mix well, and taste for seasoning
9. Cook for 5 more minutes (add more salt as needed)

BAKING (Once Filled):

1. Bake the empanadas in a pre-heated oven. I usually bake them at 375F-400F, the temperature will vary based on the oven and the size of the empanadas. I bake the smaller sized empanadas at 375F. The baking time also varies (again based on the oven and size), but it’s in the range of 18-25 minutes – the empanadas will be ready once they are golden.