Transforming leftovers into a new, exciting meal is not just economical; it’s a creative challenge that can lead to delicious discoveries. Today, we’re turning last night’s taco meat into tasty empanadas. This simple guide will walk you through the steps to make these delightful pastries from scratch, perfect for a family snack or a fun dinner.
Ingredients:
• For the Empanada Dough:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup ice water
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• For the Filling:
• 2 cups leftover taco meat
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, like cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• ½ cup diced onions (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Assembly:
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
• Additional flour for rolling out dough
Steps to Make Empanada Dough:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Cut in Butter: Add the cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, ice water, and vinegar. Gradually mix these into the flour mixture until a dough forms.
4. Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the leftover taco meat with optional cheese and onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Empanadas:
1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
2. Cut Out Circles: Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles.
3. Spoon Filling: Place a spoonful of the taco meat mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
4. Seal Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp with a fork to seal.
5. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with the beaten egg.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Conclusion:
Empanadas are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover meat into a meal that feels entirely new and exciting. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re packing them for lunch or serving them at a family gathering. With this recipe, you can customize the fillings based on what you have, making each batch unique and personal.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your empanadas with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they also make great next-day snacks.
Enjoy the process of creating, and delight in your deliciously repurposed leftovers!