Caprese Empanada Recipe with Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with these Caprese Empanadas, a savory snack that combines the fresh flavors of classic Italian ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella—wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these empanadas are not only delicious but also a celebration of love in every bite.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 3

Instructions

Method for the Crust

1. Sift Dry Ingredients: Begin by sifting the all-purpose flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the Italian seasoning and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.

   Related Articles

   • 
     Patra Ni Machi: Parsi Fish Steamed in Banana Leaf with Green Chutney
   • 
     Delicious Strawberry Raita: A Refreshing Indian Yogurt Side Dish
   • 
     Cheesy Spicy Paratha Delight: Perfect Chilli Cheese Recipe
   • 
     Spicy Paneer Chilli Dosa – Fusion Indian Breakfast Recipe

2. Incorporate Butter: Add the cubes of unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring that the butter remains cold.

3. Combine Egg and Water: In a separate bowl, beat the whole egg and chilled water together with a fork. Gradually add this mixture to the flour and butter blend, stirring with the fork until just combined.

4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it once or twice with the heel of your hand—just enough to bring it together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; it should be cohesive but not overly smooth.

5. Chill the Dough: Press the dough into a flat rectangle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step is crucial for achieving a flaky crust.

Method for the Filling

1. Prepare the Filling Ingredients: Chop the mozzarella cheese and ripe tomatoes into tiny cubes, and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped basil leaves, salt, and smoked paprika powder. Stir the mixture to combine, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Empanadas

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. On a clean, floured countertop, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle. Using a round cookie cutter or an empanada shaper, cut out circular discs from the dough.

2. Fill the Empanadas: Place a spoonful of the Caprese filling in the center of each dough disc. Fold the disc over to create a semi-circle, pinching the edges together to seal. For a decorative touch, make small pinches along the border or use a fork to crimp the edges.

3. Chill Again: Place the filled empanadas on a flour-dusted plate and refrigerate for an additional 20 minutes. This helps the crust maintain its shape while baking.

4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Dust a baking sheet with flour and arrange the chilled empanadas on it.

5. Bake the Empanadas: Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.

6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, ideally with a refreshing mint gremolata on the side.

Enjoy!

These Caprese Empanadas, with their delectable filling and flaky crust, are a charming way to indulge in the flavors of Italy. Each bite is a journey through the classic Caprese salad, elevated into a perfect snack or appetizer that will surely impress your guests and warm your heart. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, and savor the love that goes into every aspect of this delightful recipe!