Empanada

Guide Note

An empanada is a thin, round pastry that is stuffed with sweet or spicy fillings. It is folded in half and the edges crimped before frying.

Fast Facts

1. Spanish in origin
2. Similar to a sambusac or a turnover
3. Appetizer or main dish
4. Flaky crust
5. May have been introduced by the Moors

Mexican empanadas can be served at breakfast or as a dessert item. The fillings of the empanada can contain various sweets such as pumpkin, yams or cream. fruit fillings are also common. Empanadas are not only considered a sweet treat. They can also be filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables. In some parts, empanadas filled with chicken and cheese are eaten at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• 3 cups plus 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 2 Spanish chorizo links (spicy dried pork sausage; 6 to 8 ounces), ground
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 pound boiling [[Potatoes|potatoes], peeled and shredded
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup grated queso blanco or Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 frozen empanada or turnover wrappers, thawed