Swiss Chard And Cheese Empanadas Recipes

SWISS CHARD EMPANADAS

Steps:

• To make dough: In a large bowl combine flour, salt, lard, and butter. Mix lightly with your fingers until the dough forms pea-sized pieces. Stir in iced water and lightly knead until dough forms a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
• To make filling: Heat olive oil in a frying pan and add diced onion, salt and pepper. Cook over moderate heat until onions are soft and begin to turn lightly golden. Add chard stems and cook a minute or two then add the chard leaves and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Mix cooled cooked chard with grated cheeses and taste, adjust seasoning.:
• To assemble empanadas: On a lightly floured board, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness and cut 6 circles about 5 inches each or 12 smaller circles. Place filling onto half of circle of dough leaving a border and wet the edges of the dough with the egg wash, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Seal the edges by pressing the top to the bottom with the tines of a fork. Chill at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place empanadas on a baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper. With a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape. Bake 30 minutes or until dough is golden. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SWISS CHARD EMPANADAS

Steps:

• For the Dough:.
• In a bowl, combine the flour, lard, butter and salt. Mix lightly with your fingers until the mixture forms pea-sized pieces. Using a fork, stir in the ice water, a little at a time, until a dough forms, and then knead lightly until it comes together in a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or as long as overnight.
• For the Filling:.
• In a large frying pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, salt and pepper and sauté until the onion is soft and begins to turn lightly golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the chard stems and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the chard leaves and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool. Add the cheeses and lime juice and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
• To Assemble:.
• On a lightly floured board, roll out the dough about 1/8 inch thick. Using a 3 inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 rounds. Place about 2 teaspoons of the filling on ½ of each round, leaving a ½ inch border. Dampen the edges of the dough with a little of the egg glaze, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling. Seal the edges by pressing firmly with the tines of a fork. Arrange the empanadas on a tray, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days before baking.
• Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Place the empanadas on a baking shee. Brush the tops with the egg glaze and sprinkle with cracked pepper. Using a sharp knife, cut 2 or 3 small slits in the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape.
• Bake until golden, about 30 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.