So now what to do with that leftover chicken? Make empanadas!
Empanadas are a Spanish dish consisting of a pastry dough with either a meat or fruit filling. The word empanada literally means “in dough.” In Spain they are typically larger and made with a savory filling and in Latin America they are typically smaller and made with a sweet filling. Doesn’t matter which you prefer, the bottom line with Empanadas is that they are supposed to be extremely flavorful and satisfying. This version, is filled with chicken & black beans and is a weeknight standby , because I don’t make my own dough , and the recipe is simple. I have a few more elaborate empanada recipes that I will post when I get the free time to make them!
Empanadas are a Spanish dish consisting of a pastry dough with either a meat or fruit filling. The word empanada literally means “in dough.” In Spain they are typically larger and made with a savory filling and in Latin America they are typically smaller and made with a sweet filling. Doesn’t matter which you prefer, the bottom line with Empanadas is that they are supposed to be extremely flavorful and satisfying. This version, is filled with chicken & black beans and is a weeknight standby , because I don’t make my own dough , and the recipe is simple. I have a few more elaborate empanada recipes that I will post when I get the free time to make them!
1 package puff pastry (I like Trader Joe’s Artisan brand, but just use a good quality one & don‘t forget to thaw it !)
Filling:
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic (either pressed, or I like to grate them since I don’t own a press!)
1 tsp cumin
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
½ cup cilantro leaves
YOUR LEFTOVER DARK/WHITE MEAT CHICKEN (about 1 ½ to 2 cups)
S & P
Heat oil over med-high heat in skillet. Sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add spices and garlic, stirring and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add chicken and black beans and season to taste with S&P. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cilantro leaves. Cool. (THIS CAN BE MADE THE DAY BEFORE.)
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion, minced
2 cloves garlic (either pressed, or I like to grate them since I don’t own a press!)
1 tsp cumin
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed & drained
½ cup cilantro leaves
YOUR LEFTOVER DARK/WHITE MEAT CHICKEN (about 1 ½ to 2 cups)
S & P
Heat oil over med-high heat in skillet. Sauté onions until soft, about 5 minutes. Add spices and garlic, stirring and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add chicken and black beans and season to taste with S&P. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add cilantro leaves. Cool. (THIS CAN BE MADE THE DAY BEFORE.)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Roll out puff pastry onto a lightly foured surface. Roll the dough out until the pastry is about 12 by 16 inches. Cut into 4 inch squares (you should get about 12 !) You will probably need to use both sheets of puff pastry.) Lay each dough square like a diamond. Put 2 tablespoons of filling in the bottom half of the diamond. Fold over the top half to meet the bottom half.. (Like a triangle) Use a fork to pinch & seal the edges. Also poke a few holes with the fork in the top of the dough. Lightly brush the tops with vegetable oil. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with Cilantro/Lime Sour Cream and/or any type of fruit salsa!
Cilantro/Lime Sour Cream:
Measurements vary, depending on how much you are making. Place Sour cream , cilantro leaves and lime juice in a food processor. Process for 30 seconds and serve!
Measurements vary, depending on how much you are making. Place Sour cream , cilantro leaves and lime juice in a food processor. Process for 30 seconds and serve!
Ideas for leftover puff pastry? Cut out circles and top with fresh fruit, bake @ 350 degrees for 30 min!
Low Cholesterol Version: Take some of the filling, put in a cholesterol free tortilla and top with chopped pineapple or mango.
P.S. Sofia loved these!
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