Cheese And Poblano Empanadas Food

CHEESE AND POBLANO EMPANADAS

Steps:

• The poblano peppers can be roasted on the grill, in the oven under the broiler, or over the flame on a gas stove. I recommend grilling as the first option, place the peppers on a hot grill and grill on each side until they are blackened or charred. Next best option is to place them on a baking sheet and put them under the broiler (set to high) and roast on each side until charred. For the stove stop method, my least favorite because the fumes can be strong, use thongs to hold the poblano peppers and place them close to the flame, turn until they are blackened.
• Place the poblano peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes- this will help them sweat so that the skin becomes very loose and easy to remove.
• Peel off the skins from the roasted peppers, cut them half and remove the seeds and stems. Remove any liquid inside the peppers.
• Cut the poblano peppers into strips and then cut them into small pieces, about ½ inch to 1 inch wide.
• To assemble the empanadas, place a spoonful or two of the cheese mixture and some chopped roasted poblano peppers or rajas on the middle of each empanada disc.
• Fold the empanada discs and seal the edges. You can either use a fork to help seal the empanadas, or use your fingers to twist and curl the edges creating a churito or curl type seal. You can also use an empanada mold to seal the empanadas.
• If you have time, for best results, especially since these empanadas contain cheese, chill the empanadas for at least 30 minutes before baking, this will help them seal better and prevent leaks.
• Before baking, brush the top of the empanadas with the egg yolk; this will give a nice golden glow when they bake. If you are making several batches of different empanadas and have any poblanos left over, you can place a small piece of the pepper on top of each empanada as a marker to help identify the filling.
• Bake in a pre-heated oven at 400F for 20 minutes or until golden.
• Serve the poblano and cheese empanadas with your choice of dipping sauce.

EMPANADAS DE QUESO CON RAJAS (POBLANO CHILE AND CHEESE EMPANADAS)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place poblano directly on the grates of a gas stove. Cook over medium heat, flipping with tongs occasionally, until blackened and charred, about 5 minutes. Place in a sealed plastic bag and allow to cool, 7 to 8 minutes. Peel off charred skins, remove seeds, and cut flesh into 1-inch squares.
• Place 1 1/2 tablespoons Manchego cheese onto each empanada disc. Top each with 1/2 tablespoon poblano peppers. Fold dough over on top of filling to close. Wet fingers with water and run them along the edges to help seal. Press edges together. Place empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush with beaten egg.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 24 to 26 minutes.

POBLANO CREAM CHEESE EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and poblanos until well incorporated. Season the filling with salt and pepper.
• Unfold 1 sheet puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 5-inch diameter cutter, cut out 4 circles. Repeat with the remaining puff pastry sheet. Spoon 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture in the center of each round. Brush the edge of each circle with egg wash and fold each empanada into a half moon. Crimp the edges with a fork.
• Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet and brush them with the remaining egg wash. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve warm.

CHEESE EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Mixing by hand, combine 2 cups warm water, the shortening and salt in a medium bowl. Slowly add the flour, mixing quickly to avoid lumps. Knead until the ingredients are evenly combined. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes, then shape into small balls (about 3 ounces each).
• Using a hand tortilla press, place a piece of waxed paper on the bottom, center a dough ball on top and cover with another piece of waxed paper. Gently press down to flatten the ball into a thin circle (not too thin or it will crack). Alternatively, you can use a wooden board or large plate to press the dough.
• Remove the top paper and add 1 tablespoon of the cheese to the middle of the pressed dough. Carefully fold one edge of the circle over the cheese to the other edge, and press the edges together to close the empanada. Using a small bowl, place it over the empanada close to the edge and press down slightly to cut the edge and evenly seal it. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese. Set the empanadas on a large platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add enough vegetable oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F. Gently remove the wax paper from each empanada and fry two to four at a time (depending on the pan size) until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

POBLANO AND CHEESE EMPANADAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter. Add poblanos and cook for 10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
• Add onions to skillet then cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the corn, chicken bouillon, cumin, salt, and pepper to skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
• Remove skillet from heat. Add cream cheese and manchego cheese, then stir well. Cover skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
• When ready to assemble empanadas, lay out an empanada dough sheet and spoon prepared filling into the center. Lightly wet the edges of the empanada with water, then fold, using your fingers to press down and seal the empanada. For pretty presentation, press a fork around the edges of the empanada. Place empanada on prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all empanadas are assembled.
• In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water. Use a basting brush to coat the tops of the prepared empanadas with egg wash.
• Bake empanadas for 20-25 minutes or until tops of empanadas are golden brown.
• Serve immediately.