Impress your guests with this delicious Argentine spinach empanadas recipe
Empanadas, a staple in Latin American cuisine, has a rich history that traces back to Spain and Portugal. These savory pastries are enjoyed across Argentina, with regional variations that reflect the country's diverse culture. Spinach empanadas, in particular, offer a delightful vegetarian option for any gathering. So let's get cooking and bring a taste of Argentina to your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
For these empanadas, gather two cups of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of salt, half a cup of cold butter in pieces, one-third cup of ice water, two tablespoons of olive oil, a diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, three cups of chopped fresh spinach, half a cup of ricotta cheese, and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Prepare the dough
Begin by whisking together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually pour in the ice water while stirring until a dough forms. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the filling
Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the garlic and cook for one minute more. Fold in the spinach, cooking until it's wilted. Remove from the heat to cool slightly. Finally, stir in both ricotta and Parmesan cheeses until well combined with the spinach mixture.
Assemble empanadas
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to an eighth-inch thickness. With a 4-inch cutter, form rounds. Place a spoonful of the spinach filling on each, fold to create half-moons, and press the edges with a fork to seal. These are now ready to be baked.
Bake to perfection
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20 minutes, or until they puff up and display a golden brown hue. Serve these warm, inviting pastries as an appetizer or the main fare at your festive event. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.
