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A close up of a couple of empanadas stacked on a narrow wooden cutting board.
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Carnitas Empanadas with Avocado Crema

The empanada dough is super simple to prepare and you really can't mess it up. That said, you can use a pie crust if you absolutely hate making your own dough.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 20 empanadas
Calories 130kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 sticks
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Pinch of paprika
  • 1 1/2-2 cups leftover carnitas
  • 1 medium ripe avocado
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  • Heat the water and butter together over low heat in a medium saucepan until the butter is melted. Allow to cool a few minutes, until cool enough to touch.
  • Mix flour, salt, and paprika in a large mixing bowl, making a well in the center. Pour the butter/water mixture into the center of the flour and mix with your hands until you get a wet, oily dough. I did this in my stand mixer with no problems whatsoever.
  • Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for two hours or overnight.
  • To assemble to empanadas, break off about 20 golf ball sized balls of dough and roll them out in a thin, flat disc about 5 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface. Place a couple tablespoons of warmed carnitas in the center of each disc of dough and fold over to make a half moon shape. Press edges firmly to seal them and crimp with a fork or your fingers. Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  • In a food processor or blend, blend together the avocado, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Serve alongside the empanadas for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 25mg | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.8mg