Pizza Empanada Recipes

PIZZA DOUGH CHICKEN EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Combine the garlic, onions, salt and 5 cups water in a 12-inch high-sided saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts and bay leaf, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook the chicken, partially covered, until cooked through, about 35 minutes. (To check for doneness, slit the chicken in half to make sure the interior is no longer pink.) Remove the chicken (reserve the broth) and allow to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, shred by hand and place in a medium bowl.
• Remove enough broth to leave about 2 cups in the pan with the onions and garlic (cool and refrigerate or freeze the extra broth for another use). Remove the bay leaf. Add the tomatillos and jalapenos and cook until the tomatillos are olive green, 10 to 12 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the solid ingredients (onions, tomatillos and garlic) to a blender. Add the cilantro and process until smooth (using some of the liquid in the pan if needed). Season with salt and pepper. Pour the salsa back into the saucepan and bring to a boil; add the chicken and cook until the flavors incorporate, about 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• To assemble the empanadas: Dust a flat surface with flour. Roll out the pizza dough about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Using a 6-inch round cookie cutter (or a bowl or plate with the same diameter), cut the dough into circles. Expect to get about 3 circles from 1 pound of dough. Brush the egg wash over the surface of one dough round. Add 2 tablespoons of filling onto half of the circle and sprinkle about 1 ounce of mozzarella on top of the filling, if using. Fold the plain half over the filling. Seal the edges with fork tines or crimp decoratively. Repeat for the remaining empanadas. (Save any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for another use.)
• Transfer the empanadas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. Bake until crisp and golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

PIZZA EMPANADA

Steps:

• In a bowl, beat the water, egg, egg white and vinegar together. Set aside.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the 3 cups of flour and salt.
• Cut the shortening into the flour mix with a pastry blender or two butter knives.
• Make a well in the center of the flour mix and pour the liquid ingredients from the first bowl into the center.
• Mix the wet and dry ingredients with a fork until it becomes stiff.
• Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just until all the flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth.
• Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but never more than 24 hours.
• After 1 hour, place the dough on a floured counter top. Roll it out into 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into circles with round cookie cutters or biscuit cutters. For large empanadas use 6 inch cutters for empanaditas use 3 inch cutters.
• Tip: If you want to keep the dough longer than 24 hours, you can freeze it.
• Filling:.
• Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on the circle of dough. Do not go all the way to the edge.
• Sprinkle a spoonful of shredded cheese onto the pizza sauce.
• Place a couple slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese.
• Fold the dough and filling into a half circle shape and crimp the edges with a fork. If the edges won't stay sealed you can dip the fork in water before crimping or use an egg wash.
• Fry the filled empanadas at 360 degrees for 1 to 2 minutes per side. They should be lightly golden. Drain on paper towels.
• Tip: Do not overfill the empanadas. They will tear and you will lose your filling in the oil.

MEDITERRANEAN EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Combine chicken strips, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine tomato and onion with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Cook chicken in a hot skillet until juices run clear, 5 to 8 minutes. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken in the skillet. Add lemon juice to finish cooking.
• Divide pizza dough into 6 sections. Roll each section into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface, working fresh basil into the dough as you roll.
• Layer spinach, chicken, mozzarella, and tomato mixture on one half of each circle. Fold over to cover the filling and press the curved edge to seal.
• Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil. Lightly brush the tops of the empanadas with olive oil and transfer to the baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.