Delicious and Easy Turkey Empanadas Recipe
Picture this – golden, crispy pastry outside with a delicious filling of spiced, savory ground turkey meat and vegetables inside. That’s what you’ll get with my turkey empanadas grande recipe.
I love making empanadas because they are perfect for any meal of the day. Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even the main course with a side salad. They’re great to make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer for later use. Plus, the rich flavor will have your taste buds jumping for joy.
Using ground turkey meat in this recipe is an excellent way to create healthier empanadas without sacrificing taste. The spices add depth of flavor to the protein while the onions, garlic, and bell pepper provide the base vegetables, which gives a fresh crunch as you bite into it.
The empanada dough for this recipe is easy to make from scratch and can be customized with different types of fillings. In fact, I use this same dough recipe for almost every type of savory or sweet empanada filling that comes to mind.
Trust me when I say that once you try these turkey empanadas grande, you’ll never go back to boring old sandwiches again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving something flavorful, filling, and delicious? Do you want to try something new and exciting in the kitchen? Look no further than these Turkey Empanadas Grande! This recipe combines a variety of traditional Latin-American flavors with an American twist.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the recipe calls for ground turkey as the main protein, it can easily be substituted with ground beef or chicken. You could even use your Thanksgiving leftovers to make this recipe even more festive!
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional beef empanadas. By using ground turkey and olive oil instead of beef and fried dough, you can enjoy this meal guilt-free. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily serving of veggies – the green bell peppers and onions add fiber and nutrients to the dish.
Making these empanadas is fun and easy. The recipe teaches you how to make the empanada dough from scratch, which is a simple process that anyone can do. Then, learn how to make the savory filling by sauteing garlic, onion, green bell pepper, and ground turkey together with spices like oregano, cilantro, cumin, parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Finally, fold up the empanadas into their signature crescent shape and bake them until golden brown. Whether you’re making these for a party or just a weeknight dinner at home, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Overall, this Turkey Empanadas Grande recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty way to mix up their dinner routine. With its unique blend of cultural influences, health benefits, and flavorful ingredients, you won’t be able to resist making these empanadas again and again.
Ingredient List
Here are the essential ingredients you will need to make these Turkey Empanadas Grande:
- Ground turkey: You can use ground beef, chicken or leftover thanksgiving turkey meat instead of ground turkey.
- Onion: Finely diced; use either white, yellow, or red onion.
- Garlic clove: Minced finely.
- Green bell pepper: Chopped 1/4-inch pieces.
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Dried cilantro
- Dried parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Ground black pepper
- Green olive: For Olive Empanadas.
- Pie crust or empanada dough: You can opt for a homemade version or buy it pre-made from the store.
The rest of the ingredients required for this recipe will depend on the variation you choose. Read on to see some options for substitutions and variations that you can try out!
The Recipe How-To
Here is the step by step guide on how to make delicious Turkey Empanadas Grande Recipe:
Preparation
Empanada Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Add in 1 cup cold unsalted butter that has been cut into small pieces. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Gradually add ice-cold water and continue mixing the dough until it becomes firm but not sticky.
- Form it into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Empanada Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey with 1 garlic clove, 1 onion and a chopped green bell pepper.
- Cook and stir for about 5 minutes or until the turkey is browned.
- Add in a can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and salt with pepper to taste.
- Cook for another 10 minutes or until the liquid has slightly evaporated.
Assembling
Preheat oven at 375°F.
Flour your work surface and rolling pin then lightly knead the empanada dough ball.
Roll out the dough thinly (about a quarter-inch) using a rolling pin. Use a biscuit cutter or an overturned glass to cut out circles that are about four inches in diameter.
Fill each circle with about two tablespoons of empanada filling.
Fold one half of the circle over the other forming a semi-circle shape.
Crimp edges with a fork and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Brush each empanada with beaten egg yolk.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden-brown.
Serve hot with your favorite sauce.
Enjoy your Turkey Empanadas Grande Recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you interested in experimenting with some variations of this turkey empanadas grande recipe? Here are some ideas to help you create a dish that is uniquely yours!
1. Swap turkey for ground beef: While this recipe incorporates ground turkey, you could easily substitute it for ground beef if you prefer. Both meats work well as a filling and offer a slightly different flavor profile.
2. Add cheese: If you love cheese, try adding it to your empanada filling! Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese would be great additions, and add a creamy texture and extra flavor.
3. Incorporate other vegetables: This recipe calls for green bell pepper, onion, and garlic cloves. However, feel free to add more veggies to your filling! Finely diced carrots or zucchini would make great additions.
4. Use leftover turkey: Have leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t let it go to waste! Simply chop or shred the cooked turkey and use it in place of the ground turkey in this recipe.
5. Try dessert empanadas: Empanadas don’t always have to be savory! Try making a sweet version of this dish by using pie crust dough, adding fruit like apples or peaches as the filling, and dusting with cinnamon sugar before baking.
Whatever variations you choose, don’t be afraid to get creative! The beauty of cooking is that you can customize recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
The Turkey Empanadas Grande Recipe is a delicious dish that can be served on its own or paired with some other dishes to create a complete meal. When serving the empanadas as an appetizer, I recommend pairing them with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. On the other hand, if you want to make it a full meal, serve it with some flavorful Mexican rice and fresh guacamole.
The crisp and savory flavors of this dish pair perfectly with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. If you prefer beer, a light pilsner or Mexican lager would complement the flavors of the empanadas well.
Alternatively, for a non-alcoholic option, serve with a classic margarita or hibiscus tea. The tangy citrus flavors in margarita contrast nicely with the spiciness of the empanadas while hibiscus tea’s earthy flavor adds another dimension to the dish.
Remember, these empanadas are already loaded with flavor and spices, so it’s important not to overpower them with anything too strong or heavy. Keep the sides and drinks simple and balanced to let the empanadas take center stage!
Overall, this recipe is versatile enough to be served in different ways for various occasions – parties, gatherings, everyday family dinners – all while maintaining its delicious taste!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making empanadas can be a time-consuming task, so being able to prepare them ahead of time is always a plus. The good news is that these turkey empanadas grande can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to reheat and serve.
To make-ahead, go through the entire recipe, assemble the empanadas, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour to set. Once set, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, label and date, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake them, remove from the freezer and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To store leftover empanadas, wait for them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, preheat oven at 350°F (180°C), place your empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For best results use an air fryer to cook/reheat frozen empanadas, it will help them get crispy on the outside while keeping the filling moist. Preheat your air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Place your frozen empanadas onto it but do not overcrowd it; spray both sides lightly with oil spray then cook on each side for roughly 10 min or until crispy.
With these make-ahead instructions, storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy your turkey empanadas grande any time you’d like!
Tips for Perfect Results
Once you have gathered all the ingredients for your Turkey Empanadas Grande Recipe, it is time to start preparing them. As a chef specializing in Brazilian and American cuisine, I have years of experience making empanadas, and I am here to share some tips to ensure your empanadas come out perfectly every time. Here are some tips for perfect results when making Turkey Empanadas Grande:
1. Don’t Overstuff Your Empanadas:
Although it may be tempting to overstuff your empanadas with delicious fillings, keep in mind that overstuffing can lead to leaks and spills in the oven. Leave some room at the edges of the dough so that you can easily seal the empanadas shut.
2. Egg Wash Your Empanadas Before Baking:
Egg washing your empanadas before baking will give them a beautiful golden brown color and a nice shine. This step will also help to seal the empanada dough, preventing any leaks or spills.
3. Use Quality Ingredients:
It’s important to use fresh and quality ingredients in your filling. You can experiment with different herbs and spices, but make sure to use them sparingly so that they don’t overpower the other flavors.
4. Keep Your Ingredients Cold:
When making the dough for your empanadas, keep all of your ingredients cold, especially if you are using butter or shortening in your dough recipe. This will help prevent overmixing and ensure a flaky pastry crust.
5. Let Them Cool Before Serving:
Although it may be tempting to bite into a freshly baked empanada right out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to settle and prevent any burns on your tongue.
By following these tips, you can create perfect Turkey Empanadas Grande every time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings or variations of this classic recipe – the possibilities are endless!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the turkey empanadas grande recipe I’ve shared with you is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and flavorful cuisine. With its unique blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables, this dish will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and full.
Moreover, this recipe offers a healthier twist to traditional empanadas by using ground turkey instead of beef. You can even get creative with your fillings by substituting chicken or incorporating your Thanksgiving leftovers. And if you’re in the mood for something sweeter, you can experiment with baked dessert empanadas or pie crusts filled with cheese.
Regardless of what ingredients you choose to use, there’s no denying that empanadas are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. So why not spice up your mealtime routine and give this recipe a chance? With its delicious flavors and easy-to-follow instructions, I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in no time!
Turkey Empanadas Grande Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- garlic salt, to taste
- 1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 egg white, beaten
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute turkey, garlic, onion, and green pepper until turkey is no longer pink in center. Stir in parsley, cilantro, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stirring occasionally, cook over medium heat about 15 minutes or until most the liquid is reduced.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Spray cookie sheet with non-stick oil. Unfold one pie crust on one side of cookie sheet. Carefully spread one half of meat mixture to within 1-inch of one-half pie crust. Brush 1 inch of pie crust with egg white. Encase meat by folding other half of pie crust over meat mixture. Using a fork, press edges of crust together and pierce top of crust to make holes to allow steam to escape.
- Repeat steps with remaining ingredients and pie crust on other side of cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees F. 20 to 25 minutes. To serve, cut each empanada into 3 wedges.
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.