Spicy Mushroom Puffs (Empanadas Stuffed with Mushroom)
Description:
Spicy Mushroom Puffs, also known as Empanadas stuffed with mushrooms, is a flavorful and delightful snack that will surely impress everyone at the table. While traditional Empanadas are deep-fried and filled with a variety of fillings, this recipe offers a healthier twist by baking the pockets, making them a perfect, guilt-free snack. The dough is enriched with a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, while the spicy, aromatic filling of mushrooms, garlic, onions, and Thai-inspired flavors gives each bite a burst of flavor. A must-try for those who love delicious vegetarian snacks with a unique flair!
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| For the Dough | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (Salted) | 4 tbsp |
| Whole Egg | 1 whole |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 tbsp |
| For the Stuffing | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button Mushrooms, chopped | 1 cup |
| Garlic, chopped | 4 cloves |
| Onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| Green Chilli, chopped | 1 |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens), chopped | 3 stalks |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin by preparing the dough for the puffs. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 tablespoons of salted butter, and 1 whole egg. Gently mix all the ingredients and knead into a smooth, soft dough. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. -
Make the Filling:
While the dough is resting, heat some oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onions, and sauté for a few minutes until they turn translucent.
Add the chopped button mushrooms and chopped green chili to the pan. Fry them until the mushrooms release their moisture and the mixture becomes dry.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and the chopped coriander leaves and spring onions. Season with salt to taste. Cook for another minute and then remove the filling from the heat. Set it aside to cool. -
Shape the Empanadas:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) for 10 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, knead it again for a few seconds. Pinch off small to medium-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Flatten each ball into a small disc, approximately 1/4-inch thick (similar to puris but not too thin).
Place a spoonful of the mushroom filling in the center of each disc. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a semi-circle. Press the edges together firmly to seal the empanada. You can use a fork to crimp the edges and poke a small hole in the center for ventilation. -
Bake the Puffs:
Grease a baking tray and place the prepared empanadas on it. Lightly brush the top of each empanada with the remaining whisked egg to give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. -
Serve:
Serve the Spicy Mushroom Puffs fresh from the oven. They are perfect as a snack, especially when paired with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an even more delightful snack experience, serve them alongside some crunchy, flavorful pan-fried onion pakoras. This combination will elevate your tea time or festive snacks to a whole new level!
Tips:
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili and red chili powder.
- For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top of the empanadas before baking.
- These empanadas can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh from the oven for the crispiness.
Enjoy the crispy, savory, and spicy goodness of these Spicy Mushroom Puffs, and let their delightful flavors take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey!
