Bison Empanadas with Avocado Jalapeno Puree

By Valarie

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick), cut into 1-ounce pats
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup sparkling water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 cup diced red onions
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 5 avocados
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• Juice of 3 limes
• 2 bunches fresh cilantro
• 2 jalapenos
• 5 pounds ground bison
• 2 medium Spanish onions, diced
• 2 cups red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup cayenne pepper or ground chipotle chile
• 1/4 cup coriander
• 1/4 cup ground cumin
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Juice of 4 limes
• 2 bunches fresh cilantro, leaves chopped
• Canola or vegetable oil, for deep frying

Details

Servings 1
Adapted from cookingchanneltv.com

Preparation

Step 1

For the dough: Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a food processor. Add the butter 1 pat at a time, followed by the sparkling water and lemon juice and pulse until a dough forms. Form the dough into a ball, and then let sit at room temperature for 1 hour before portioning into empanada-size pieces.

For the pico de gallo: Mix together the red onions, tomatoes, jalapenos and cilantro in a bowl. Add the lime juice and salt and black pepper to taste. Let stand for 1 hour. Drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups of accumulated liquid.

For the puree: Mix together the reserved pico de gallo juices, the avocados, garlic, lime juice, cilantro and jalapenos in a blender. Blend until smooth, and then refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the bison: Heat a skillet over high heat, and then add the bison and Spanish onions and cook until browned, 5 minutes. Add the vinegar, olive oil, cayenne, coriander, cumin, salt, red pepper flakes and lime juice and cook for another 5 minutes. Drain and let cool, then fold in the cilantro. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Fill a pot halfway with oil and heat to 350 degrees F.

For cooking the empanadas: Lay out the dough on a flat surface, and scoop 2 ounces of bison filling into the center of each piece of dough. Fold the sides closed, pressing to seal. Drop into the oil and fry for 2 minutes, frying in batches if needed.

Garnish the empanadas with the avocado jalapeno puree and top with the pico de gallo.

NotesThis recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.