Ep. 1: Empanadas de Viento

cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta

Cottage cheese provides a lower-fat option while maintaining creaminess.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds a distinct flavor.

all-purpose flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: corn flour

Whole wheat flour increases fiber content.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is healthier but may be more expensive.

Welcome to the video and introduction to the dish.

Start with the dough: measure 2 cups of all-purpose flour and add a heavy pinch of salt.

Add about 3 tablespoons of roughly chopped butter and the juice of 1 lemon to the flour.

Mix the ingredients together, then add 1/2 cup of water, adjusting as needed to form a dough.

Knead the dough until it is smooth, adding flour if it feels sticky, for about a few minutes.

Wrap the kneaded dough in plastic and let it rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.

After resting, divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll them into balls, covering them to prevent drying out.

Prepare to roll out the dough: flour the surface and rolling pin lightly.

Roll out each ball of dough as thin as possible, using a center-out technique with the rolling pin.

Prepare the filling by shredding 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and placing a few pieces in the center of each rolled dough circle.

Fold the dough over the cheese, sealing the edges without pressing down on the rest of the empanada to keep air inside.

Decorate the edges by folding small pieces of dough back over to create a braided look.

Brush each empanada lightly with water to prevent drying and allow for expansion during frying.

Heat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.

Carefully place the empanada in the hot oil, pushing the oil over it with a spatula to avoid splashing.

Fry the empanada until golden brown and blistered, about 3-4 minutes, then remove and drain on paper towels.

Repeat the frying process for the remaining empanadas, ensuring they are cooked one at a time for best results.

Sprinkle sugar generously over the finished empanadas before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens