empanadas fritas de queso

Ingredients

• Servings: 16
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lard
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup queso chanco (or swiss cheese or havarti), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Recipe

Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Ready Time: 55 mins


• sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. combine the lard and milk in a saucepan, and heat until the milk is hot. pour the hot milk into the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms. turn out a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. cover, and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
• preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
• roll the dough out on a floured surface 1/4-inch thick. cut into 4-inch rounds. brush the outer edges of each circle with beaten egg, and fill with a small mound of cheese. fold each circle in half to form a half-moon; press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal. place the empanadas a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. brush the tops with remaining egg.
• bake in preheated oven until golden-brown, about 20 minutes.
• alternatively, the empanadas may be deep fried in 375 degrees f (190 degrees c) oil. if deep frying, do not brush the outsides of the empanadas with egg. drain on paper towels.