Avocado And Palmito Empanadas

By á-174942

Ingredients

• 1 packet active dry yeast - (1/4 oz)
• 3/4 cup water divided
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour - (to 3 1/2)
• 3 canned hearts of palm finely diced
• 1/3 cup diced tomato
• 1/2 cup finely-chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup finely-chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup finely-chopped onion
• 3 medium avocados peeled, seeded
• and mashed
• Salt to taste
• Freshly-ground black pepper to taste
• Beaten egg yolk for sealing
• empanadas
• Oil for deep frying

Details

Servings 16

Preparation

Step 1

To make the crust, sprinkle the yeast over one-fourth cup of the warm water (100 to 110 degrees) and stir to dissolve. Stir in the sugar and set aside while measuring the remaining ingredients.

Pour the milk, olive oil, salt and remaining one-half cup water into the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the yeast mixture. Mix in enough of the flour to make a bread-like dough. When the dough is smooth, knead dough with a dough hook until it is elastic, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the dough from the mixer, form it into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

To make the filling, combine the diced hearts of palm, tomato, cilantro, parsley, cheeses, onion, avocado and mix until creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To make the empanadas, punch down the risen dough and break it into 16 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface to a 5-inch diameter about one-eighth inch thick. Place about 1 1/2 tablespoons filling in the center. Brush the edges with egg yolk and fold over to make a half moon. Press down the edges with a fork to seal.

Deep fry the empanadas in canola oil heated to 350 degrees until golden brown on both sides, about 3 minutes. Serve warm.

This recipe yields 16 empanadas.

Each empanada: 265 calories; 6 grams protein; 25 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams fiber; 16 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 31 mg. cholesterol; 211 mg. sodium.