Baskets with ham and mushrooms

Delicious ham and mushroom pastries – a classic recipe

Enjoy a simple and savory recipe, perfect for any occasion! These ham and mushroom pastries, also known as Empanadas de fiambre y champiñones, are ideal as appetizers or snacks. Whether you prepare them for a party, a picnic, or simply for a relaxing evening at home, these delights are sure to impress! Let's begin the culinary adventure step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 pastries

Necessary ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 400 g flour
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- Water (as needed, approximately 100-150 ml)

*For the filling:*
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Approximately 200 g ham (you can use turkey ham or any preferred type)
- 1 can of mushrooms (approximately 400 g, drained)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Herbs (optional, to preference)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce

*For decoration:*
- Chives (optional)

The story of the recipe

This ham and mushroom pastry recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, being an excellent way to utilize leftover ingredients from the fridge. The pastries are versatile, and the filling can be adapted according to your preferences. Whether you choose to use cold cuts, cheeses, or vegetables, only your imagination can limit your creativity in the kitchen.

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the melted butter and salt. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous texture. Add the egg and start incorporating water gradually. Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and easy to work with. If necessary, add a little flour to make it more workable. Once you have the desired dough, cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

2. Preparing the molds
Meanwhile, grease the small cake molds with butter and dust them with a little flour to prevent sticking. This step is essential to ensure easy shaping of the pastries.

3. Preparing the filling
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them over medium heat until translucent. Then, add the diced ham and drained mushrooms. Mix well and season with salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, until all ingredients are well integrated. Finally, you can add herbs according to your preferences.

4. Shaping the pastries
After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 3-4 mm. Use a cutter or a glass to cut circles from the dough. Then, place each circle in the prepared mold, making sure to let the edges slightly exceed the mold.

5. Filling
Fill each pastry with the filling mixture, being careful not to overfill them to prevent spilling during baking. You can fold the edges of the dough for a nicer appearance or leave them open.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the molds with pastries in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. When ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

7. Serving
You can decorate the pastries with chives for an attractive look. These pastries are delicious both warm and cold, and pair perfectly with a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce.

Practical tips

- If you want to save time, you can use store-bought puff pastry, which will provide a slightly different texture but equally delicious.
- Experiment with the filling! You can replace the ham with chicken or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add spices like paprika, cumin, or even chili for a hint of heat.

Nutritional information

These ham and mushroom pastries are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the ingredients used. Without providing an exact calorie count, it's worth noting that each pastry contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of butter used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I freeze the ham and mushroom pastries?
Yes, it is recommended to freeze them before baking. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to serve them, let them thaw and bake according to the instructions.

2. What can I serve with these pastries?
These pastries pair wonderfully with a yogurt sauce with herbs or a spicy ketchup. Additionally, a white wine or a light beer would be ideal for a relaxing evening.

3. What is the secret to perfect dough?
The secret lies in not overloading the dough with water and kneading it as little as possible to prevent it from becoming elastic. Let it rest to allow it to relax.

So, get ready to enjoy a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring you closer to your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!