Kamil Perry
Ham and cheese empanadas are a great way to use up leftover ham and cheese. The sweet and savoury treat consists of a light, flaky crust and a delicious filling. To make the dough, you'll need flour, salt, butter, and ice water. For the filling, you'll need cornstarch, milk, ham, cheese, and seasonings like salt and pepper. The process starts with making the dough, followed by the filling, and finally assembling and baking the empanadas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crust | Light and flaky |
| Dough ingredients | Flour, salt, butter, ice water |
| Filling ingredients | Cornstarch, milk, ham, cheese, salt, pepper |
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What You'll Learn
Making the dough
To make the dough for ham and cheese empanadas, you will need flour, salt, butter, and ice water. Start by mixing flour and a pinch of salt in a bowl using a food processor. If you don't have a food processor, you can also mix the ingredients by hand in a large mixing bowl.
Next, cut the butter into small pieces and drop them into the flour mixture one at a time while pulsing or mixing. Continue this process until the mixture resembles large crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter or a fork if you don't have a food processor.
Once the butter is incorporated, start adding ice water a tablespoon at a time while pulsing or mixing. The water will help bring the dough together. Stop adding water once the dough starts to come together and peel away from the sides of the bowl.
At this point, you should have a rough dough. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it until it is smooth. Form the dough into a flattened ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and handle.
While the dough is chilling, you can start preparing the filling for your empanadas. You can use leftover ham and cheese or prepare a filling by mixing cornstarch and milk in a saucepan, and seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste.
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Preparing the filling
Ham and cheese empanadas are a great way to use up leftover ham and cheese. You can cut the ham into cubes and decide whether you want to fry it or use it as is. Frying the ham can add a bit of extra flavour and texture to your empanadas. If you want to fry it, heat some butter in a skillet and add the ham cubes, frying until they are golden. You can also add some diced onion and garlic to the skillet for extra flavour.
For the cheese, you can grate it or cut it into small cubes as well, depending on the texture you prefer. If you're using a harder cheese, grating it will make it easier to mix with the ham. You can also add some mayonnaise to the mixture if you want a creamier filling.
Mix the ham and cheese together in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add in some chopped spring onions or parsley for extra flavour and colour.
If you want a more cohesive filling, you can make a sauce by mixing cornstarch and milk in a saucepan and using this to bind the ham and cheese together. This will create a creamier, richer filling for your empanadas.
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Shaping the empanadas
Next, place a heaping tablespoon of your chosen filling (in this case, ham and cheese) in the centre of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this will make sealing the empanadas difficult. You can add a teaspoon of your favourite sauce or condiment to the filling for extra flavour. For a sweet and savoury empanada, try a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Now, it's time to seal your empanadas. Lightly brush the edges of the dough circle with water or beaten egg. This will help the dough stick together and create a tight seal. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern and ensure that the filling stays inside during baking.
If you want to get creative, you can shape your empanadas like turnovers or even braid the dough before sealing. For a turnover shape, cut your dough into squares instead of circles and fold diagonally, sealing the two sides together. For a braided empanada, cut long strips of dough and weave them together before sealing the filling inside.
Finally, brush the tops of your shaped empanadas with beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish when baked. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds, dried herbs, or coarse salt on top for added flavour and texture.
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Cooking the empanadas
Ham and cheese empanadas are a great way to use up leftover ham and cheese. The process of making empanadas involves making the dough, preparing the filling, assembling the empanadas, and then baking or frying them.
Making the Dough
To make the dough, you'll need flour, salt, butter, and ice water. Start by mixing the flour and salt in a food processor. Then, with the processor on pulse, add pieces of butter one at a time until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Gradually add ice water by the tablespoon while pulsing, until the dough starts to come together and peel away from the sides of the bowl.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the filling. Mix cornstarch and milk in a saucepan, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cut the ham into small cubes and grate or dice the cheese, if necessary. You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as diced potatoes, spring onions, or spices like smoked paprika.
Assembling the Empanadas
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it is thin, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a bowl or a large cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough. Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, being careful not to overfill. Top the filling with a small amount of cheese, then fold the other half of the dough over to enclose the filling. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the empanadas.
Baking or Frying
At this point, you can choose to bake or fry your empanadas. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the empanadas on a lined baking sheet. Brush the empanadas with beaten egg to give them a golden colour, then bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. To fry, heat a thin layer of oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil and fry for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Empanadas are best served warm and can be a great option for a quick and easy meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy your ham and cheese empanadas:
For a heartier meal, consider serving the empanadas with a side of rice and beans, which can provide a good source of carbohydrates and protein. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can also accompany the empanadas, adding a fresh and healthy touch to the meal. If you're serving the empanadas as a snack or appetizer, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as guacamole, salsa, or a creamy garlic dip.
You can also offer a selection of condiments and sauces to accompany the empanadas. For example, a spicy mayo can add a nice kick, while a tangy barbecue sauce can give the dish a sweet and smoky flavor. Offering a simple side of sour cream or crumbled fresh cheese can also add a nice, creamy contrast to the savory ham and cheese filling.
If you want to serve the empanadas as part of a larger spread, they can be a great addition to a tapas-style meal or a potluck. You can pair them with other dishes such as tortilla chips and dips, vegetable crudites, or even a charcuterie board featuring a variety of meats, cheeses, and crackers. This can create a casual and social dining experience where guests can mix and match different flavors and textures.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving the empanadas with a soup or stew. A hearty lentil or tomato-based soup can be a great option, providing a warm and comforting dish to enjoy alongside the empanadas. Alternatively, a fresh and light gazpacho can be a refreshing choice during warmer months.
Lastly, don't forget to consider some refreshing drinks to accompany your empanadas. A cold beer or a glass of crisp white wine can pair nicely with the flavors of the ham and cheese. Non-alcoholic options could include a refreshing glass of iced tea, a fruity punch, or even a healthy smoothie, depending on your preference and the occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need flour, salt, butter, ice water, cornstarch, milk, ham, and cheese.
Mix flour and salt in a food processor. Using the pulse setting, drop in pieces of butter, one at a time, into the flour while pulsing. Continue until the mixture resembles large crumbs. Add ice water by the tablespoon while pulsing until the dough begins to peel away from the sides of the bowl. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Form into a flattened ball, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 20 minutes.
Mix cornstarch and milk in a saucepan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut ham and cheese into small cubes and add them to the filling.
Unfortunately, I could not find the exact temperature at which to bake ham and cheese empanadas. However, I can help you find another recipe that includes this information.
