Claudio’s Potato Empanadas: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Discover Claudio’s irresistible potato empanadas recipe. Perfect for a snack or appetizer, they are easy to make and very tasty!

Summary

• Ingredients
• Preparation Method
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

Dough:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 120g cold butter, cubed
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water
• 1 pinch of salt

Filling:

• 3 medium potatoes, cooked and mashed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley and chives, to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter and mix with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the egg and ice water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not over-knead.
3. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the filling: In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until golden.
5. Add the mashed potato, milk, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until a creamy mash is obtained.
6. Remove from heat and add the mozzarella cheese, parsley, and chives. Mix well and set aside.
7. Assembly: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut circles using a cutter or a glass.
9. Line the potato empanada molds with the dough.
10. Fill the molds with the filling and cover with more dough, sealing the edges well.
11. Brush the potato empanadas with egg yolk for a golden finish.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before unmolding.
14. Serve the potato empanadas warm.

Tips and Variations

• For a crispier crust, use vegetable shortening instead of butter.
• Vary the filling by adding shredded chicken, dried beef, or vegetables.
• Add creamy cheese spread to the filling for a smoother texture.
• Try adding spices like nutmeg or paprika to the filling.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with vegetable margarine and cheese with vegan cheese.
• Potato empanadas are great for snacks and parties!

CHEF’s Tips

The key to a perfect potato empanada lies in the quality of the ingredients and attention to detail. When preparing the dough, ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky and flavorful texture. Do not over-knead the dough, as this can make it tough. For the filling, cook the potatoes well to ensure a creamy consistency and season moderately to enhance the natural flavor of the potato.

An extra tip is to add a touch of lemon to the filling to balance the flavors and give a special freshness to the potato empanadas. Also try using different types of cheese to vary the filling flavor, such as provolone or parmesan. Serve the potato empanadas with a mild chili sauce or a fresh salad for a complete and delicious meal.