Ingredients
- 1 lb. leftover pork roast, shredded. (You may of course, just slow cook 1 lb of pork wrapped in foil in a 250 degree oven for about 2 hours. Same thing!)
- 2 tsp butter.
- 2 granny smith apples, chopped finely.
- Approximately 1/2 cup chicken stock.
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp light chili powder.
- 2 tsp. cumin.
- 1 tbsp. Onion powder.
- 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder.
- 2 tbsp. dried cilantro leaves.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 pkg. empanada rounds, defrosted. (I get these at the local market in the freezer section. If you can’t find them, try this recipe.)
- flour, for rolling.
- 1 egg.
- 2 tbsp. cold water
Directions
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Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
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Place 1/2 of the apples and 2 tbsp butter in a 3 qt saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently until the apples are fragrant and relatively soft. Add pork, cinnamon, chili powder, cilantro, onion powder, garlic powder and chicken stock. Stir to combine and allow to simmer stirring constantly until heated through and pork has completely fallen apart. Taste for seasoning, add salt, pepper and remaining apples. Remove from heat.
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Crack egg into a bowl and add 2 tbsp. cold water. Whisk together well. Set aside.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly flour a work surface. Remove one empanada round from package and place on floured surface. Dust lightly with flour and roll gently with rolling pin. place 1-2 tbsp. of the pork filling in the center of empanada round. Moisten edges of round and fold over, pressing edges together tightly, then crimping with a fork to ensure a good seal. Move to baking sheet and continue with the rest of the rounds.
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(TIP: keep empanada rounds and completed empanadas covered with a slightly damp towel while you are working to prevent them from drying out.)
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When all rounds are assembled, brush each lightly with egg wash and place in center rack of oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until dough is golden. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes before serving.