Hot dogs meet spinach in crispy empanadas
Welcome, food lovers! Today, I want to introduce you to my latest delicious recipe: Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas.
As someone who specializes in both Brazilian and American cuisine, I can confidently say that this recipe is the perfect combination of both. It’s a unique twist on a classic Latin American dish that takes advantage of some classic American ingredients to create something truly special.
Empanadas are a wonderful way to bring a little bit of culture into your kitchen, and it’s also the perfect party food. Whether you’re serving them up with some homemade chimichurri sauce or chowing down on them while watching the big game, this Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a versatile and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than these Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas.
First off, empanadas are just plain fun to eat. Imagine biting into a flaky puff pastry crust that’s bursting with savory fillings like hot dogs, spinach, and gooey melted cheese. Each bite is a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
And if you’re trying to sneak some veggies into your diet, this recipe has got you covered with plenty of spinach in each empanada. Plus, the cheese adds a rich creaminess that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
But perhaps the best thing about these empanadas is their versatility. They make a fantastic party appetizer or addition to any potluck spread. But they also work well as an easy dinner or lunch option for busy days when you don’t have time to cook a full meal from scratch.
So why not give this delicious recipe a try? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas Recipe:
- 1 package of puff pastry dough, thawed
- 3 hot dogs, chopped into small pieces
- 3 cups of fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup of gouda cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tsp of sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
For the empanada dough:
– 2 cups of semolina flour
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of white wine
– Salt, to taste
Note: You can also use pre-made empanada dough if you prefer.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making our Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas. This recipe is straightforward to make, and in just a few steps, you will have delicious empanadas.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To ensure your oven is at the appropriate temperature when you’re ready to bake these empanadas.
Step 2: Cook Your Ingredients
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook hot dogs until lightly browned from all sides. Remove hot dogs from heat and cut them into small bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add diced spinach with salt and sugar, sauté it until wilted completely. Remove the spinach from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
On a floured work-surface, roll out puff pastry dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or cup, cut the dough into circles, each about 4 inches in diameter.
Step 4: Fill Your Dough Circles
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of cooked hot dog and spinach mixture onto one-half of each circle. Top up with shredded gouda cheese or grated mozzarella cheese as per your preference.
Fold the empty side of the dough circle over to enclose the filling properly. Use a fork to press down the edges sealing everything correctly.
Step 5: Bake Your Empanadas
Place prepared empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat together an egg with a teaspoon of water or milk; brush each empanada generously with this mixture.
Bake at for around 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Your Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas are now ready to serve! It’s a perfect snack for any party or occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make for these Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas.
– Cheese: Feel free to use any shredded cheese you like. Gouda, mozzarella, or feta all work well. You could also try adding diced artichoke hearts for a spinach-artichoke flavor.
– Spinach: If you don’t have spinach, you could use another leafy green, like kale or chard.
– Hot dogs: Swap out the hot dogs for cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or ground beef for a heartier empanada.
– Dough: If you can’t find pre-made puff pastry dough, you can make your own empanada dough using pie crust or a mixture of flour and semolina flour. For a healthier spin, try using whole wheat flour instead of white flour.
– Milk: The recipe calls for milk to help seal the edges of the empanadas, but you could also use water in its place.
– Wine: The white wine in the filling can be substituted with chicken or vegetable broth.
– Sugar: If you prefer a savory over sweet taste, simply omit the sugar called for in the recipe.
– Cooking method: While we love the baked method called for in this recipe, these empanadas are also delicious when pan-fried until golden brown on both sides.
These substitutions and variations will give you endless possibilities to experiment with and make this dish your own. Try different combinations to discover your favorite spin on these delicious Spinach and Hot Dog Empanadas.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve made these delicious Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas, you’ll want to serve them up in style. I recommend serving them hot off the oven with your favorite dipping sauce. These empanadas pair really well with a crisp green salad or a side of chilled gazpacho soup.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, pair these empanadas with a hearty tomato-based pasta dish or a grilled vegetable quesadilla for an explosion of flavors. For an exotic twist, try pairing them with an Argentinian Malbec, which is the perfect complement to the rich and savory pastry.
If you’re looking for a light bite at breakfast time or brunch, these empanadas are perfect accompanied by fresh fruit and yogurt. You could also opt for a plate of toast smothered in avocado and topped with poached eggs. Believe me when I say this, no matter how or when they’re served, these Spinach and Hot Dog Empanadas are guaranteed one smashing hit!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making these spinach and hot dogs empanadas ahead of time is a great idea when you’re planning on serving them later or as a snack for the week. Prepare the recipe up to step five, then place the empanadas on a cookie sheet spaced apart and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them into a large plastic container and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To prepare the empanadas, simply remove them from the freezer and preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the frozen empanadas onto a baking sheet, brush them with beaten egg whites, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Storing already cooked empanadas is also easy, either in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil, refrigerating them will keep them fresh for up to 5 days. To reheat the empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F or microwave on high heat for 10-15 seconds until warm through.
You can also get creative with additional toppings by serving each spinach hot dog empanada with different dipping sauces; my favorites are salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
Regardless of how you decide to enjoy these delicious empanadas, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas turn out perfectly every time you make them, there are a few tips you can follow. Here are some tips for making mouth-watering empanadas that satisfy your cravings.
1. Use Semolina Flour to Add Crunch to the Pastry
Traditional empanadas are made using wheat flour. However, substituting the wheat flour with half semolina flour adds a delightful crunchiness and sweetness to the pastry that makes it stand out. The combination creates a crumbly texture in the crust that sets it apart from regular pies or flaky pastries.
2. Properly Cook the Filling Beforehand
One common mistake is to add raw filling components directly to the empanada pastry dough, which doesn’t usually give enough time for proper cooking of hot dogs and spinach together with other ingredients in hot oven conditions. Fet university recommends cooking spinach first with olive oil until wilted and then adding finely chopped hot dogs into the skillet to cook for a couple of minutes more.
3. Keep Your Dough Well-Chilled
Whether making homemade empanada dough or using store-bought puff pastry, ensure that your dough stays chilled before use by refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes.
4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
When preparing your dough recipe, it’s essential to use room-temperature ingredients, particularly butter or eggs. Using cold ingredients will result in a thicker, denser and less pliable dough than one made with ingredients at room temperature.
5. Experiment With Different Cheese Blends
Don’t hesitate to experiment with various cheese blends while making these empanadas. Although Gouda and mozzarella cheeses are quite nice with spinach-empanadas combination, consider adding feta or goat cheese for extra tangy flavor. To avoid ending up with watery filling after baking, it is always recommended draining cheese out of milk serum as often as possible.
By following these tips, you can be sure to make the best Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas possible. Start experimenting today and surprise your family with a delicious hit!
Bottom Line
this article, and you’ll have in your hands a delicious recipe for Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas, but not only that – you will have a versatile recipe that can adapt to your preferences and dietary restrictions. With this dish, you can experiment with different fillings to make breakfast empanadas or even vegetarian empanadas with spinach and artichoke dip.
Furthermore, this recipe is easy to prepare, store and reheat, making it ideal for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is the unique combination of flavors from the hot dogs, spinach, and cheese. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will please any palate.
So why not give this delicious recipe a try? You won’t regret it. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck or for brunch with friends, Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Spinach and Hot Dogs Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour, 00
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 25 g white wine
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 40 g water
- 1 tablespoon milk
FOR THE FILLING
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 1 slice emmenthaler cheese or 1 slice mozzarella cheese
- 2 small hot dogs
Instructions
- Mix together the two flours, in the middle put the egg, salt, the tip of a teaspoon of sugar and the water.
- Mix everything together till you have a soft dough. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Cook the spinach for about 10/15 minutes in a pan with some oil and let them cool off.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to 3 mm thick. Cut out 6-inch rounds.
- Brush the dough with some milk. Add some filling to each empanada and fold the dough over in half to enclose the filling. Use a fork to press and seal the edges closed.
- Cook them for 15 minutes at 375 degrees.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.