Sourdough Discard Empanadas

Introduction

Every home cook knows the joy of creating something delicious from what might otherwise be tossed aside. Using sourdough discard in your cooking not only minimizes waste but also adds a special tangy flavor to your dishes. You might be wondering how to incorporate this leftover treasure into your meals. That’s where the ability to whip up some delightful empanadas comes into play.

These little pockets of goodness are filling, flavorful, and totally satisfying. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as party appetizers. Let’s dive into the process of transforming that sourdough discard into golden-brown empanadas that will impress anyone who takes a bite.

Why Make This Recipe

Embracing this recipe not only gives you a fantastic way to use sourdough discard creatively, but it also allows you to enjoy a cultural dish rich in history and versatility. Empanadas are a culinary favorite in many Latin American countries. They bring joy and warmth to every table, making them a beloved option for gatherings and family meals.

The beauty of making empanadas is in their adaptability. You can fill them with a wide range of ingredients, making them suitable for any flavor preference or dietary need. Whether you opt for savory meats, wholesome vegetables, or even sweet treats, there’s truly an empanada for everyone. Plus, preparing them can be a fun activity with family or friends, sparking laughter and creativity in the kitchen.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Empanadas

Making empanadas from sourdough discard may sound complicated, but it is a straightforward process that does not require special skills. With a little patience and practice, you’ll soon be creating beautifully flaky pastries right from your kitchen. Below are the ingredients and directions to get you started.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup filling of choice (such as meat, cheese, or vegetables)
• Oil for frying

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, and salt. Stir until everything is nicely mixed.
2. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until you form a smooth dough. You may need more or less water, so add it slowly.
3. Once the dough forms, cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period is essential, as it helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to work with.
4. After the dough has rested, sprinkle some flour on your countertop and roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the rolled dough. Make sure to make them large enough to hold your filling comfortably.
6. Place a spoonful of your desired filling in the middle of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, or they may burst while frying.
7. Fold each dough circle over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together, then seal them with a fork for added security.
8. In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Make sure there’s enough oil to submerge the empanadas halfway through.
9. Fry the empanadas until they turn a beautiful golden brown on both sides. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
10. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Empanadas

These delightful empanadas can be served in many ways, depending on the occasion and your personal preference. They make for a perfect snack, can be part of a meal, or can shine as appetizers at a gathering. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

• Dipping Sauces: Create or buy flavorful dips to go with your empanadas. A nice salsa, chimichurri, or avocado sauce can elevate their taste and provide great flavors to complement the filling.
• Salads: Pair your empanadas with a fresh side salad to add some crunch and brightness to your plate. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders.
• Beverages: Complement your meal with your favorite drinks. Soft drinks, fresh juices, or even a chilled beer can be a lovely addition to your empanada experience.
• Garnishes: Lightly sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, like cilantro or parsley, on top for a pop of color and flavor. Adding a wedge of lime or lemon can also enhance the dish’s brightness.

How to Store Sourdough Discard Empanadas

If you find yourself with extra empanadas (which is often the case because they are so delicious), storing them correctly ensures they remain tasty for later. Follow these tips for storage:

• In the Fridge: If you plan to consume them within a few days, place the cooked empanadas in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through.

• In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked empanadas. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they do not touch. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. They can last about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply fry them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

Tips to Make Sourdough Discard Empanadas

Creating the perfect empanadas might take a little practice, but these tips will help you along the way:

• Kneading the Dough: Don’t rush this step. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will lead to tender empanadas.
• Filling Choices: Experiment with different fillings! You can use leftover meat, sautéed vegetables, or even cheese. Sweet versions with chocolate or fruit jams are also delightful.
• Sealing Techniques: Ensuring the edges are sealed well is crucial, so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking. A fork works well for this purpose.
• Temperature of Oil: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature when frying. Too hot, and your empanadas will burn; too cold, and they’ll soak up too much oil.

Variation

While the classic empanada is savory, you can easily transform this dish into sweet flavors. Consider using these ideas:

• Dessert Empanadas: Use sweet treats as fillings like Nutella with banana slices, apple pie filling, or sweetened cream cheese with berries. After cooking, dust them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a delicious finish.
• Vegetarian Options: For a meat-free version, fill them with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or hearty vegetables like spinach and ricotta cheese.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes, you can substitute all or some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the water slightly.

2. Can I freeze the empanadas after frying?
   Yes, you can freeze them. However, they are generally best frozen before cooking, as frying can make them soggy upon reheating. That said, if you do fry them first, reheat in the oven for the best texture.

3. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
   You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it. If it sizzles and bubbles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

Sourdough Discard Empanadas

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• Author: claramorgan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious empanadas made using sourdough discard, perfect for lunch, dinner, or as appetizers.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup filling of choice (meat, cheese, or vegetables)
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, and salt. Stir until everything is nicely mixed.
2. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until you form a smooth dough. You may need more or less water, so add it slowly.
3. Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes.
4. Sprinkle some flour on your countertop and roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the rolled dough.
6. Place a spoonful of your desired filling in the middle of each circle.
7. Fold each dough circle over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together and seal with a fork.
8. In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat and fry the empanadas until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve warm.

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Notes

Feel free to customize the filling to your liking. Empanadas can be served with dipping sauces or salads.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 empanada
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg