Description
Savory Cheesy Pepperoni Empanadas blend classic Argentine pastry with zesty Italian flavors, creating a mouthwatering fusion of crispy dough and melted cheese. Spicy pepperoni and gooey mozzarella nestled inside golden-brown pockets promise a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- ⅛ cup (30 milliliters) warm water
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cornstarch, for dusting
Cheese Ingredients:
- 4 slices provolone cheese, diced
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (60 grams) Parmesan cheese
Filling and Cooking Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) pepperoni, diced
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable oil
Instructions
- Craft a silky, pliable dough by blending flour, liquid ingredients, and salt in a food processor until a cohesive mass emerges. Allow the dough to relax and develop elasticity by covering and resting for approximately 20 minutes.
- Partition the dough into symmetrical portions. Utilize a rolling implement to transform the dough into a gossamer-thin sheet. Employ a precise circular cutter to create uniform rounds. Delicately dust each disc with cornstarch, carefully layering to prevent adhesion.
- Transform pepperoni and various cheeses into diminutive cubes. Amalgamate the chopped proteins and dairy components with marinara and aromatic Italian seasonings, creating a robust and zesty filling mixture.
- Distribute a measured portion of the savory filling onto each dough round’s center. Delicately moisten the circular perimeter with water, then elegantly fold and compress edges using fork tines to create a hermetic seal. Methodically repeat the process across all dough segments.
- Elevate vegetable oil to an optimal temperature of 365°F. Gently immerse small batches of empanadas, frying until they achieve a resplendent golden-brown exterior. Carefully rotate midway to ensure uniform crispness. Transfer to an absorbent surface to eliminate excess oil.
- Present the empanadas while still radiating warmth, accompanied by additional marinara or a complementary dipping sauce of preference. Invite guests to savor these crisp, cheese-laden parcels.
Notes
- Customize the dough by substituting half the flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier twist.
- Control oil absorption by ensuring oil temperature stays consistent at 365°F and avoiding overcrowding during frying.
- Experiment with alternative fillings like chorizo, vegetarian crumbles, or different cheese combinations to suit various dietary preferences.
- Prepare empanadas ahead of time by assembling and freezing uncooked,
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg