Empanadas Fritas de Queso

These Chilean empanadas are filled with queso chanco, a Swiss-type cheese, and can be either baked or deep-fried.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 343 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons lard
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 egg, well beaten
• 1 cup queso chanco (or Swiss cheese or Havarti), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Combine the lard and milk in a saucepan, and heat until the milk is hot. Pour the hot milk into the flour mixture, and stir until a dough forms. Turn out onto a floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic. Cover, and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3

Roll the dough out on a floured surface 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 4-inch rounds. Brush the outer edges of each circle with beaten egg, and fill with a small mound of cheese. Fold each circle in half to form a half-moon; press the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal. Place the empanadas onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with remaining egg.

Step 4

Bake in preheated oven until golden-brown, about 20 minutes.

Step 5

Alternatively, the empanadas may be deep fried in 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) oil. If deep frying, do not brush the outsides of the empanadas with egg. Drain on paper towels.