Apple Empanadas Recipe
Apple Empanadas are a delightful treat that are simple to prepare yet pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a scrumptious dessert, a cozy breakfast, or a snack to enjoy throughout the day, these empanadas fit the bill perfectly. They’re also ideal for serving at parties, with their sweet, cinnamon-infused filling and crispy puff pastry. These egg-free empanadas are perfect for vegetarians, ensuring everyone can indulge in their deliciousness. Make them ahead and serve as a holiday appetizer or enjoy them at any time of the year.
Cuisine
Continental
Course
Dessert
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apples | 2, cored and cut into wedges |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1 tablespoon |
| Nutmeg Powder (freshly ground) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Puff Pastry Sheet | 1 sheet |
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | For dusting |
| Caster Sugar | For dusting |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Apples
Start by coring the apples and slicing them into thin wedges using a sharp knife. This will help the apples cook evenly and allow their sweetness to meld perfectly with the spices. -
Cook the Apple Filling
Place the apple slices into a medium skillet. Add the cinnamon powder, freshly ground nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar. Sauté the mixture on medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the apples soften slightly and release their natural sweetness. Set the filling aside to cool. -
Roll Out the Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour (maida) to prevent sticking. Roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) thick. This will give the empanadas a nice flaky texture once baked. -
Shape the Empanadas
Use a round cutter (or a large glass) to cut the pastry into circles, large enough to hold a spoonful of the apple filling. Place a small amount of the prepared apple mixture in the center of each dough circle. -
Fold and Seal
Fold the pastry over the apple filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the empanadas securely. This step will help prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking. -
Chill Before Cooking
Place the assembled, uncooked empanadas in the refrigerator for about 3 hours. Chilling the dough before frying helps it maintain its shape and ensures a crispier texture when fried. -
Fry the Empanadas
Heat a pot or deep fryer with enough oil to submerge the empanadas. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop in the chilled empanadas, one at a time. Fry for about 6-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. -
Drain and Serve
Once fried, remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Dust the warm empanadas with caster sugar or powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. -
Enjoy
Serve your freshly made Apple Empanadas while they’re still warm, and enjoy the crisp pastry and the sweet, spiced apple filling. These empanadas are perfect for any occasion and will be a hit with friends and family alike!
Additional Tips
- For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over the empanadas before serving.
- These empanadas can also be baked instead of fried. To do so, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Apple Empanadas as a stand-alone dessert, with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet treat at your next gathering. They can also be enjoyed as a delightful breakfast pastry alongside some fresh fruit or yogurt.
