Best 2 Fried Mushroom And Cheese Empanadas Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable fried mushroom and cheese empanadas, a harmonious blend of savory flavors and crispy textures. These handheld delights, originating from Argentina, are filled with a generous helping of sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a hint of aromatic herbs, all wrapped in a golden-brown pastry crust. Accompany your empanadas with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and a touch of heat, for an explosion of flavors in every bite. Our comprehensive guide provides two irresistible variations of this classic dish: the traditional fried empanadas and a healthier baked alternative, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure, transforming your kitchen into a symphony of aromas and flavors with our easy-to-follow recipes.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

MUSHROOM EMPANADAS



Mushroom Empanadas image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h50m

Yield 6 to 7 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for oiling the sheet pan
1 pound chopped onions
1 1/2 pounds mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons minced garlic
7 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Empanada Dough, recipe follows
Egg yolk for glazing, optional
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 ounces unsalted butter
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Steps:

  • Add the canola oil to a pan and heat on medium heat until hot. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are tender, then add garlic. Cook, stirring well, for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Strain the mixture and let it cool.
  • Add parsley and mozzarella.
  • Use a tablespoon to drop a generous portion of filling in the center of a dough disc and fold so that it looks like a half-moon. Make sure the edges are completely sealed to prevent the filling from coming out while baking. (This is very important because the cheese will otherwise run out of the empanada.)
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Place empanadas on a lightly oiled sheet pan; brush with egg yolk if using, Bake until dough is nicely browned, about 15 minutes.
  • Make sure to put them on a beautiful plate and enjoy with a glass of wine or a beer. Oh, and eat them with your hands, with friends and family-the way empanadas are meant to be enjoyed!
  • Making the dough can be done by hand but it is easier in a mixer with a dough attachment. Mix the flour and salt in a mixer until well combined, about 1 minute.
  • Add the butter and mix until blended, another 2 minutes.
  • Add the egg and 1/4 to 1/2 cup water, adding gradually, and continue mixing until slightly rough to the touch.
  • Make the dough into a ball and finish kneading by hand until soft and smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and put in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  • Unwrap the dough and roll out with a rolling pin until thin, but not too thin, so it doesn't break when folding.
  • Create discs with a 5-inch cutter for large empanadas or a 3-inch cutter for small ones. If not using immediately, use wax or parchment paper to separate a stack and refrigerate or freeze to use later.

MUSHROOM EMPANADAS



Mushroom Empanadas image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound white or oyster mushrooms, cleaned and roughly chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 chiles de arbol, stemmed, seeded and finely ground, or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 bunch epazote or parsley, leaves only, roughly chopped
1 recipe Corn Tortilla Dough, recipe follows
1 cup grated cheese mix (see Note)
4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Salsa
1 cup shredded cabbage
1 cup crema, recipe above, creme fraiche or sour cream
4 cups finely ground deep yellow masa harina
2 3/4 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Saute the onions until they just begin to brown. Then stir in the garlic and cook until the aroma is released, about 1 minute longer. Add the mushrooms, salt, pepper and arbol chiles. Continue cooking until the mushrooms soften, 5 minutes. Stir in the epazote or parsley and briefly cook just to release its flavor, about a minute. Set aside to cool.
  • Divide the corn tortilla dough into 16 equal balls and flatten to 1/4-inch thick, 3-inch circles Divide the cooled mushroom mixture into 16 portions.
  • Lightly coat one side of each tortilla with the remaining softened butter. Place the mushroom mixture in the center and top with 1 tablespoon of the grated cheese mixture. Fold over to enclose and pinch the edges together tightly to seal. Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
  • Pour the oil into a medium saucepan and place over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the empanadas, a few at a time, until they color slightly and rise to the surface, about 7 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  • To serve, split each empanada open along the seam and garnish with 1 tablespoon each salsa, cabbage, crema, creme fraiche or sour cream. Serve hot.
  • Note: Use a mixture of equal parts of the following cheeses: Mexican Manchego (substitute Monterey Jack or Muenster if unavailable), Anejo (substitute Romano or dried feta), and Panela (substitute ricotta or dry cottage cheese).
  • Combine the masa harina, water and salt in a large mixing bowl, and stir until smooth. The dough should be slightly sticky and form a ball when pressed together. To test, flatten a small ball of dough between your palms. If the edges crack, add water to the dough, a tablespoon at a time, until a test piece does not crack.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Mushrooms: Opt for earthy and flavorful mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms. They add a rich, umami taste to the empanadas.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme elevate the flavor of the filling. Chop them finely to evenly distribute their aroma.
  • Don't Overstuff the Empanadas: Overfilling can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst during frying. Aim for a moderate amount of filling in each empanada.
  • Seal the Empanadas Properly: Use a fork or an empanada press to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly. This prevents the filling from leaking out during frying.
  • Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature between 350°F (175°C) and 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying. Too low temperature will result in soggy empanadas, while too high temperature may burn them.
  • Drain on Paper Towels: After frying, place the empanadas on paper towels to absorb excess oil. This helps achieve a crispy texture and prevents greasiness.

Conclusion:

Fried Mushroom and Cheese Empanadas offer a delightful combination of savory flavors and textures. By following these tips and the step-by-step instructions in the recipe, you can create golden-brown, crispy empanadas filled with a flavorful blend of mushrooms, cheese, and herbs. Enjoy these delicious treats as an appetizer, snack, or main course, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce. Experiment with different types of mushrooms, cheeses, and herbs to find your perfect combination. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, these empanadas are sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

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