Quick Ground Turkey Empanadas
Ground turkey seasoned with warm spices fills a quick pastry dough in these straightforward empanadas, ready in about 30 minutes. The filling is lean but well-seasoned, making these a lighter option than traditional pork or beef versions. Bake or pan-fry them for a handheld dinner or snack that works any night of the week.
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Pastry Brush
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 pound ground turkey lean
- 1 cup green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste good quality
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 pack store-bought empanada dough or pie crusts, thawed
Egg wash
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Mix in the tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Lay out the empanada dough rounds. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each round. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Brush each empanada with the egg wash for a golden finish.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor of your filling, consider adding some chopped olives or raisins for a sweet-salty contrast.
- If you're avoiding eggs, use a milk or cream wash for a similar golden effect.
Nutrition
Calories: 483kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 37gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 849mgPotassium: 551mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 556IUVitamin C: 34mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 5mg
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