Swiss Chard Empanadas
- 2 bunches Swiss Chard, washed, ends trimmed, leaves cut in small pieces, stems cut in 1/2-inch dice
- 1 large white onion, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup grated Cotija cheese (or aged Romano or Parmesan)
- 1/4 cup grated melting cheese (Asadero, Manchego, Panela, Jack)
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste depending on the saltiness of the cheeses)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly groung black pepper
- Squeeze of lime
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chilled lard (or substitute 2 tablespoons olive oil unsalted butter)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled
- About 1/3 cup iced water
- To make dough: In a large bowl combine flour, salt, lard, and butter.
- Mix lightly with your fingers until the dough forms pea-sized pieces.
- Stir in iced water and lightly knead until dough forms a ball.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- To make filling: Heat olive oil in a frying pan and add diced onion, salt and pepper.
- Cook over moderate heat until onions are soft and begin to turn lightly golden.
- Add chard stems and cook a minute or two then add the chard leaves and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Mix cooled cooked chard with grated cheeses and taste, adjust seasoning.
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- To assemble empanadas: On a lightly floured board, roll the dough out to 1/8 inch thickness and cut 6 circles about 5 inches each or 12 smaller circles.
- Place filling onto half of circle of dough leaving a border and wet the edges of the dough with the egg wash, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling.
- Seal the edges by pressing the top to the bottom with the tines of a fork.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place empanadas on a baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper.
- With a sharp knife, cut small slits in the top of each empanada to allow steam to escape.
- Bake 30 minutes or until dough is golden.
- Transfer to a cooling rack to cool slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
swiss chard, white onion, cotija cheese, melting cheese, egg, salt, freshly groung black pepper, lime, flour, salt, chilled lard, butter, water
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/swiss-chard-empanadas-recipe.html (may not work)