Pork Empanadas (Meat Turnovers)

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Servings: 2 cups Difficulty: Advanced
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Savory, hand-held turnovers filled with tender, slow-cooked pork and spicy chipotle salsa.
Pork Empanadas (Meat Turnovers recipe image
Pork Empanadas (Meat Turnovers recipe image
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Pork Empanadas (Meat Turnovers)

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 cups Calories: 1341.5

Description

These homemade Pork Empanadas offer a perfect balance of flaky, tender crust and a rich, savory filling. The pork shoulder is slow-simmered with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves until it shreds effortlessly, then mixed with a smoky chipotle salsa for a burst of flavor. The dough, made with a blend of flour and masa harina, yields a soft yet sturdy wrapper that holds the juicy filling without breaking. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty appetizer, these empanadas are best served warm and are also freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep.

Directions

  1. Place pork in a large pot and cover with water.
  2. Add onion, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  4. While pork simmers, sift together flour, masa harina, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg and 1/2 cup milk.
  6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture.
  7. Stir with a fork until the dough comes together into a ball.
  8. Divide the dough into 16 even pieces and roll each into a ball.
  9. Place dough balls in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate while finishing the pork.
  10. After 1.5 hours, remove pork from liquid and reserve the broth for another use.
  11. Place pork in a baking dish or Dutch oven, brush with hot pepper sauce, and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 1 hour, or until meat shreds easily with a fork.
  12. Remove from oven and shred pork into small pieces.
  13. Combine shredded pork with chipotle salsa and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  14. On a lightly floured surface, flatten a dough ball with your palm.
  15. Roll out the dough to a 5-inch circle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
  16. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough.
  17. Brush edges of the dough with milk.
  18. Fold dough over filling and pinch edges together.
  19. Crimp edges with a fork to seal.
  20. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  21. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  22. Remove to a rack and cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1341.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 67.4g104%
Saturated Fat 22.6g114%
Cholesterol 182.2mg61%
Sodium 6741.9mg281%
Total Carbohydrate 113.4g38%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g69%
Sugars 4.2g
Protein 76.0g152%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: empanadas, pork, mexican, turnovers, chipotle, slow cooked, appetizer, dinner, homemade dough, masa, spicy, comfort food, party food, freezer friendly, handheld, savory, cumin, oregano, lard, baked
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