Empanadas or hand pies; either baked or fried is a special
favorite in Chile and Argentina. Traditionally, they are served during the
celebration of Chile’s National Day every 18th of September. They are very
versatile and can be made with endless fillings such as beef, pork, chicken, seafood,
ham, and cheese. Other fillings include potatoes and green peas. They can be
served as a full meal or as a snack, though they are also served as an
appetizer or side dish in some restaurants or cafes. These little meat pies can
also be filled with fruits or jams and served as a dessert to enjoy with hot
cup of coffee or tea. You can stuff empanada with just about anything; the only
limit is your imagination.
In Chile and Argentina, these hand pies are quite small. And
they are filled with a creamy melted mozzarella cheese and deep-fried to
perfection. Fried dough filled with melted cheese is always a good idea. Of
course, we all know that anything with cheese is always a crowd pleaser.
The best part is you can always make a big batch and freeze
for those days you have cravings for cheese pies. Place uncooked pies on a
baking sheet and freeze. Once they are frozen, place in a Ziploc bag and store
in the freezer until needed. Making them from scratch, fried or baked, sweet or
savory, meat or vegetarian is extremely easy and it’s well worth the time and
effort. Indulge yourself with these delicious cheesy hand pies, they are super
yummy!
In a large bowl, combine all your dry ingredients.
Add softened lard gently into the flour mixture and set
aside.
Meanwhile, combine milk and water into a small saucepan and
heat until almost boiling.
Pour hot liquid into the flour mixture and knead gently with
a wooden spoon.
Adjust the dough with flour or water as needed until it’s no
longer sticky.
Divide dough into 16 pieces and roll into balls. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, covered with a clean towel.
Flatten each dough ball with your hand.
Divide grated cheese into 16 parts and place each portion
into the center of each dough balls.
Fold dough balls in half to form a semi-circle, pressing the edges with a fork to seal it.
Heat enough oil in a deep fryer or wok.
Fry empanadas in small batches, turning once during cooking
time until both sides are golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Serve empanadas warm with a cup of hot black coffee.
You’ll find our Chilean Cheese Empanada Recipe below.
In Chile and Argentina, these hand pies are quite small. And they are filled with a creamy melted mozzarella cheese and deep-fried to perfection. Fried dough filled with melted cheese is always a good idea. Of course, we all know that anything with cheese is always a crowd pleaser.
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
COURSE
Pizza & Pastry Recipes ,
Savory Recipes ,
CUISINE
South American Food Recipes
SERVINGS
16 pieces
all-purpose flour
lard, at room temperature
salt
baking soda
baking powder
sugar
fresh milk
water
fresh mozzarella cheese, grated
Oil (for frying)
KEYWORD
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First, let me introduce myself. I'm Arwa; a citizen of the world. I like to explore the world, and try different foods from around the globe. Here, I share my passion for food with you, bringing you closer to different cultures an...
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