Guava Empanadas Recipe
Description:
Guava Empanadas are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, offering a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion. The golden, flaky pastry dough wraps around a luscious mixture of guava, cream cheese, and mixed nuts, creating a flavorful treat that will be loved by both kids and adults. These empanadas can be prepared in large sizes or as bite-sized morsels, making them versatile for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying with tea. Serve them alongside a refreshing Cinnamon Spiced Orange Iced Tea and crispy Baked Potato Wedges for a delightful afternoon tea experience.
Cuisine:
Continental
Course:
Snack
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Outer Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (Unsalted) | 1/2 cup (cut into small pieces) |
| Chilled Water | 1/2 cup |
For the Stuffing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 1 cup |
| Guava (finely chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Mixed Nuts (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Caster Sugar | 1/4 cup (adjust to taste) |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Servings:
Makes approximately 10-12 large empanadas or 20-25 bite-sized empanadas.
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Begin by preparing the dough for the empanada crust. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Add the baking powder to the mixture, and then chop the unsalted butter into small pieces. Incorporate the butter into the flour mixture, either using your fingers or a pastry cutter. Work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse, crumbly texture. This step is key to achieving that flaky, tender crust.
- Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the chilled water. Gently mix using your palms and fingers, until a soft and pliable dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender and light.
- Once the dough has come together, wrap it in cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and makes it easier to roll out later.
-
Prepare the Stuffing:
- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, finely chopped guava, chopped mixed nuts, and caster sugar. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness by adding more caster sugar if needed, depending on how sweet the guava is.
- Once the filling is ready, set it aside.
-
Assemble the Empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the empanadas from sticking.
- Take the chilled dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into small portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion into a circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. The thickness of the dough should be around 1/8 inch.
- Place a generous spoonful of the guava and cream cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make the empanadas hard to seal.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly with your fingers or use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the empanada securely.
-
Bake the Empanadas:
- Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, brush the tops of the empanadas with a little melted butter to give them a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and the crust is crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Guava Empanadas can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving. These empanadas make a fantastic addition to a tea party, a snack at a kids’ gathering, or as a sweet treat to end a meal. For the perfect pairing, enjoy them with a cup of Cinnamon Spiced Orange Iced Tea or a rich cup of coffee.
Tips:
- For a twist: Try using different fruits like mango, apple, or even a combination of fruits with cream cheese for variety.
- Make-ahead: You can prepare the dough and filling a day before and refrigerate them separately. When ready to bake, simply assemble and follow the baking instructions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 5g |
With its delightful combination of creamy, sweet guava and the flaky, buttery pastry, the Guava Empanadas Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household or at your next gathering. Whether you’re making them for a special event or simply as a treat for yourself, these empanadas offer a delicious taste of the tropics in every bite.
