EGGPLANT PARM EMPANADAS

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Eggplant Parm Empanadas image

Provided by Yvan Lemoine, Food Network Star Season 8 Finalist

Categories     appetizer

Time 2h30m

Yield 16 empanadas

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 Japanese eggplant
Kosher salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, beaten
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
Pinch crushed red chile flakes, optional
3 cloves garlic, minced
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
4 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 packages (17 ounces or more) puff pastry, thawed
8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick slices and then into 1/2-inch-by-3-inch rectangles
1 large egg
Dried oregano, for sprinkling
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • For the eggplant: Slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, and then into 1/4-inch half-moon slices. Put on a cookie sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Allow the salt to extract some of the moisture from the eggplant slices for at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
  • Take three plates and fill one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs and the third with the breadcrumbs. Dry the eggplant slices with the paper towels. Then coat each slice in the flour, then the eggs and finishing with the breadcrumbs. Allow these slices to rest for a minute; this will make the coating stick a little better and dry out to make a crispier crunch.
  • Coat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat with enough vegetable oil for shallow frying. Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper as soon as soon as they come out. Allow to cool completely.
  • For the tomato concasse: In a saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, oregano and chile flakes if using, and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the tomatoes, lower the heat and simmer until the sauce is thick and chunky, about 10 minutes. Cool completely.
  • For the empanadas: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out each sheet of puff pastry dough to a 12-by-12-inch square and cut four 6-inch rounds out of each sheet. Place 1 slice eggplant in the middle of the dough round. Top with a tablespoon of tomato concasse, followed by a piece of the mozzarella cheese. Fold the dough over and seal using the back of a fork. Whisk the egg with a little water and brush the empanadas. Sprinkle a little dried oregano and the Parmesan on the tops. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.
  • Puree the remaining tomato concasse; that'll be your dipping sauce for the empanadas.

Kalkidan Seid
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These empanadas are so delicious, I could eat them every day!


Davide Garberi
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These empanadas are perfect for a party or potluck.


Gemar Abdullah
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I love the crispy crust and the creamy filling of these empanadas.


Natii Xo
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These empanadas are so easy to make and they're always a crowd-pleaser.


aliza shah
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Amazing! These empanadas were a hit at my party. Everyone loved them.


pak Saloon
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These empanadas were delicious! The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the filling was so tasty. I loved the crispy crust. I will definitely be making these again.


Aanish Anwer Ali
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I've made these empanadas several times now and they're always a hit! They're so easy to make and they're always delicious. I love the crispy crust and the creamy filling.


Yaseen Butt
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These empanadas were so good! I loved the combination of flavors and textures. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the filling was so tasty. I will definitely be making these again.


Prasiddhi Poudel
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I made these empanadas last night and they were a huge success! My family loved them. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the filling was delicious. I will definitely be making these again.


Ataman Friday
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These empanadas were amazing! The eggplant was so tender and the filling was so rich and creamy. I loved the crispy crust. I will definitely be making these again and again.


Benson Kisombe
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I'm not usually a fan of eggplant, but these empanadas were delicious! The eggplant was cooked perfectly and the filling was so tasty. I'll definitely be making these again.


Kamya Amos
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These eggplant parm empanadas were a hit at my last party! They were so easy to make and everyone loved them. I'll definitely be making them again.