Empanadas with chorizo

Chorizo Empanadas: A Warm Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 36 empanadas

Who doesn't love a delicious, warm snack full of flavors? Chorizo empanadas are a perfect choice for any occasion, from a party with friends to a family dinner or simply to indulge your taste buds. These pastries filled with chorizo and leeks are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Making them will remind you of evenings spent with loved ones, where food truly becomes a reason for joy.

The history of empanadas is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary tradition, evolving over time. This type of food was created to keep the filling fresh and tasty, being used in numerous cultures around the world. Ideal for serving warm, empanadas are versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but today we will focus on the delicious chorizo filling.

Ingredients needed:

- 400g chorizo sausages (choose a type of chorizo with a strong, spicy flavor)
- 650g pastry dough (recommended is the one from Jus-Rol brand, easy to use)
- 2 medium leeks (choose fresh leeks with green leaves and firm stalks)
- 20g butter (to add extra flavor)
- 3 eggs (to brush the empanadas)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (to enhance the flavor)
- Flour (for dusting the work surface)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C. Make sure it is well heated before placing the empanadas inside, so they bake evenly.

2. Preparing the ingredients: Cut the chorizo sausages into small pieces about 1 cm. This will allow the flavors to combine better and distribute evenly in the filling. Then, slice the leeks thinly, making sure to remove the outer leaves.

3. Sautéing the leeks: In a large skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and let them soften, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.

4. Adding the chorizo: After the leeks have softened, add the chorizo sausages to the skillet. Let them cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the sausages start to brown, add the paprika and mix well. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

5. Preparing the dough: On a floured work surface, roll out the pastry dough. Use a rolling pin to make it even, a few millimeters thick. Cut out circles about 8 cm in diameter using a knife or a large glass.

6. Assembling the empanadas: Place a teaspoon of the chorizo and leek filling in the center of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with a little water and fold the dough to form a semicircle. Press the edges well to seal them. Use a fork to create a beautiful decoration on the edges, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.

7. Brushing the empanadas: Beat the 3 eggs in a small bowl and brush each empanada with a thin layer of beaten egg. This will give them a golden color and an appetizing appearance at the end.

8. Baking: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

9. Serving: After removing them from the oven, let them cool slightly on a rack. These chorizo empanadas are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Helpful tips:

- You can experiment with different types of chorizo, such as spicy or smoked, to achieve a variety of flavors.
- Instead of leeks, you can use onions or bell peppers for a different filling.
- You can store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits:

These chorizo empanadas are a good source of protein due to the sausages, while the leeks provide vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K and vitamin C. Each empanada contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use homemade dough?
Of course! If you have time and enjoy cooking, you can make the pastry dough at home. Just make sure to follow the correct proportions of flour, butter, and cold water.

2. How do I store the empanadas for later?
After they have completely cooled, you can place the empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze them. When you want to serve them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! You can vary the filling by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. These will not only add flavor but also a splash of color.

In conclusion, chorizo empanadas are not only a delicious choice but also a perfect way to share pleasant moments with loved ones. You can adapt the recipe according to your preferences and experiment with various ingredients. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your kitchen apron and enjoy this captivating and flavorful recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home!