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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
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.