Golden Crusted Brazilian Shrimp Pies 🍤

Recipe Name: Empadinhas (Brazilian Shrimp Pies) 🍤

Recipe Description: Dive into the flavors of Brazil with these delightful Empadinhas, filled with succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic and onions, and a blend of spices, all encased in a tender, golden crust.

Recipe Details:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup peas
• 8 green olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg glaze)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, create a well in the center of the flour.
   • Add butter, shortening, eggs, salt, and 1 cup of water into the well.
   • Using your hands, mix and knead the ingredients until a soft dough forms.
   • Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Peel and devein the shrimp.
   • Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
   • Add shrimp, bay leaf, tomato paste, salt, and pepper, and cook until shrimp is cooked through.
   • Strain shrimp, reserving the broth, then finely chop the shrimp.
   • Mix in flour, peas, olives, and cayenne pepper, adding some reserved broth to moisten the mixture.

3. Assemble the Pies:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Roll out the dough and line tartlet molds, leaving some dough hanging over the edges.
   • Fill each crust with the shrimp mixture.
   • Roll out the remaining dough and cut out tops for the pies.
   • Cover the filling with the dough tops, sealing the edges by pinching them together.
   • Brush the tops of the pies with beaten egg.

4. Bake:

   • Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
   • Once baked, remove from the oven, unmold, and serve hot.

5. Alternative Option: Chicken Empadinhas

   • Cook and shred chicken with garlic, onion, and bay leaf.
   • Sauté onion and garlic, then add chicken, bay leaf, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and water, simmering briefly.
   • Proceed with filling preparation as described above.

6. Enjoy!

   • Serve these delightful Empadinhas as a snack or light meal, savoring the flavors of Brazil in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a taste of Brazilian cuisine, these Empadinhas are sure to impress with their savory filling and flaky crust. 🇧🇷