Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas
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Embark on a culinary journey inspired by Spanish traditions with our delightful recipe for Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas. This fusion of succulent Iberico pork, rich Manchego cheese, and a medley of aromatic spices encased in a golden, flaky crust promises a mouthwatering experience that captures the essence of Spanish gastronomy.

Ingredients

  1. Iberico pork, finely diced
  2. Manchego cheese, shredded
  3. Onion, finely chopped
  4. Bell peppers (red and green), diced
  5. Garlic, minced
  6. Smoked paprika
  7. Cumin
  8. Olive oil
  9. Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
  10. Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)
  11. Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

In a skillet set over medium heat, begin the culinary journey by cooking finely chopped onions until they reach a translucent state. As the onions release their sweet and savory aromas, incorporate diced bell peppers and minced garlic into the sauté. Allow these vibrant ingredients to cook together until the bell peppers achieve a softened texture and the garlic becomes aromatic. This foundational step sets the stage for a flavor-packed filling that will infuse your Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas with richness and depth.

Add Iberico Pork

Introduce finely diced Iberico pork to the skillet, allowing it to join the aromatic medley. Cook the Iberico pork until it reaches a thorough doneness, ensuring each piece develops a golden brown exterior. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor and texture of the filling, as the Maillard reaction during cooking contributes to the savory notes and caramelization of the pork. The result will be a succulent and flavorful Iberico pork filling for your empanadas.

Season to Perfection

Dust the pork mixture with smoked paprika and cumin, ensuring a well-balanced fusion of spices. This combination adds depth, warmth, and a subtle smokiness to the filling, creating a well-balanced fusion of spices. Tailor the seasoning to your liking by adjusting the amounts, allowing you to customize the empanadas to suit your taste preferences. This step ensures that each bite is a delightful interplay of savory Iberico pork and aromatic spices, making your empanadas a truly flavorful experience.

Incorporate Manchego Cheese

Gently fold in shredded Manchego cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture within the filling. The combination of Iberico pork and Manchego cheese is a marriage of rich and savory flavors, adding a luxurious depth to the overall profile of the filling. This step not only enhances the creaminess but also introduces a layer of indulgence that will make your Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas truly irresistible.

Prepare Empanada Dough

Prepare the empanada dough by rolling it out into rounds. Spoon the flavorful mixture of Iberico pork and Manchego cheese onto one half of each dough round, ensuring to leave some space around the edges. This step is crucial for assembling the empanadas, allowing you to encase the delicious filling securely within the dough. The careful placement of the filling ensures that each empanada will be a delectable combination of flaky crust and savory goodness.

Seal and Crimp

Take the other half of the empanada dough and fold it over the filling, creating a semi-circle. To ensure the empanadas are securely sealed, press the edges together, and for a decorative touch, use a fork to crimp the sealed edges. This step not only helps in sealing the delicious filling within the dough but also adds a visually appealing pattern to the edges of your empanadas. The combination of a well-sealed and crimped edge ensures that the savory Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese filling remains intact, ready to delight your taste buds with each bite.

Egg Wash and Bake

Give each empanada a gentle coating of the egg wash, ensuring that it covers the surface evenly. This step is key to achieving a lustrous golden finish during baking. Arrange the coated empanadas on a baking sheet, ready to undergo the transformative process in the oven. As they bake, the empanadas will develop a delightful crispiness, and the exterior will take on a golden-brown perfection. The egg wash not only adds a visual appeal but also contributes to the overall texture, making your Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas a culinary masterpiece ready to be enjoyed.

Garnish and Serve

Elevate the presentation of your Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas by generously scattering freshly chopped parsley atop them. This final touch infuses a burst of freshness, adding a vibrant and aromatic element to the ensemble. Serve these delectable empanadas while hot, allowing the enticing Manchego cheese to gracefully ooze from the golden, flaky crust. The combination of the fragrant parsley and the rich, savory filling creates a symphony of flavors that will captivate your senses, making these empanadas a delightful culinary experience.

Bottom Line

Our Iberico Pork and Manchego Cheese Empanadas are a celebration of Spanish flavors, combining the richness of Iberico pork with the distinctive taste of Manchego cheese. Whether enjoyed as appetizers, snacks, or a flavorful addition to your tapas spread, these empanadas are a testament to the culinary artistry that defines Spanish cuisine. Gather your loved ones and savor the delight of each bite in this delicious culinary creation.

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