Minced Chicken Empanadas de Viento
Empanadas de Viento, or 'wind empanadas,' are a delightful Ecuadorian dish characterized by their thin, crispy pastry and airy texture. These empanadas are traditionally filled with cheese and fried to perfection, but our version includes a flavorful minced chicken filling, adding a modern twist with rich spices and savory goodness. They are perfect bites for any occasion, offering a glimpse into the rich culinary tapestry of South America.
Ingredients
Empanada Dough
2 cups all purpose flour (plain flour Australia and UK) - organic, if available
1 pinch salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter - chilled and cubed
½ cup water - ice-cold
Filling
300 grams chicken breast - minced
1 large onion - finely chopped
1 clove garlic - minced
1 teaspoon cumin - ground
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon)- 1 pinch salt - to taste
1 pinch ground black pepper - to taste
For Frying
500 milliliters vegetable oil - for deep frying
Instructions
- Empanada Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and rub them into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Filling: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat (175°C / 350°F). Sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cooking another minute until fragrant. Stir in the minced chicken, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle the cumin and paprika, stirring to mix evenly. Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and simmer until the liquid reduces. Let it cool.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Cut circles with a 4-inch (10 cm) cutter. Fill each circle with a tablespoon of filling. Fold into half-moons and seal edges by pressing with a fork.
- In a heavy-bottom pot, heat the vegetable oil to 180°C (350°F). Fry the empanadas until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier filling, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer baking over frying, bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Nutrition
Calories: 1482kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 23gFat: 133gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 67gMonounsaturated Fat: 32gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 419IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 4mg
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