How to Make New Mexican Bean-and-Cheese Turnovers with Green Chile

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

black beans

🥗Healthier: pinto beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans are often less expensive and quicker to prepare.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber and nutrients.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: banana peppers

Bell peppers provide sweetness without the heat.

In a bowl, combine 2 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of table salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder; whisk together.

Rub in 6 tablespoons of chilled lard until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Add 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cold water and mix with a spatula until the dough starts to come together.

Turn the dough out onto the counter and knead a few times to combine.

Divide the dough into eight equal pieces and shape into tight balls.

Refrigerate the dough balls for at least 30 minutes, covered with plastic wrap.

In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of lard over medium heat.

Add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes.

Add 2 cans of drained pinto beans, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of table salt; mash the beans while cooking for about 8 minutes until the consistency is like refried beans.

Transfer the bean mixture to a bowl and let it cool completely.

Char 2 pounds of Anaheim chilies and 1 jalapeno under the broiler for about 5 minutes on each side until the skin is blackened.

Place the charred chilies in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to trap steam for 10 minutes.

Peel the skins off the chilies, removing as many seeds as possible, and chop them into quarter-inch pieces, leaving the seeds in the jalapeno.

In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of lard over medium heat; add 1 cup of finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.

Add 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of table salt, and the chopped chilies; simmer for 6 minutes until thickened.

Roll out each dough ball into a 7-inch circle on a floured surface.

Place 1/4 cup of cheese in the center of each circle, then add a spoonful of the bean mixture.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens