December 11, 2018
This recipe is Gluten Free, Vegan & Vegetarian.
Equipment:
teaspoon & tablespoon measures
plain round cookie cutter 8cm or size of your choice
baking tray line with silicone paper
To Make the Filling:
1 small brown onion - finely diced
3 spring onions - finely diced
1/2 bunch of coriander - wash/ spin & finely chop
1/2 bunch of spinach - wash/ spin & finely slice
3 tbsp Jamaican curry powder (Malaysian curry powder also works well)
To Make the Pastry:
1Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
2Wrap the purple skinned potato & sweet potato in foil & bake until soft.
3Peel the purple skinned potato & sweet potato & mash together with a fork in a large bowl.
4Cook the onion dice with a small amount of oil until soft.
5Add the curry powder & ground cumin to the onions & cook for a few mins until oil is absorbed.
6Add water & mix to a smooth & runny paste - cook out curry until you have a thick'ish sauce.
7Stir in the spinach, coriander & spring onions.
8Add the mixture to the mashed yam & sweet potato mix.
9Check the flavour add more salt & pepper.
10Allow to cool down completely before assembling the empanadas.
How to Make the Pastry:
1Sieve the gluten free plain flour, ground turmeric & salt together in a food processor.
2Add the Nuttelex & processor on 'Pulse' to fine crumbs.
3On Pulse gradually add the cold water to bind the mix to a dough (this can be a little sticky).
4Remove the dough from the food processor & place onto a floured surface (use the gluten free flour).
5Gently squeeze the dough together to form a smooth ball.
6Wrap the pastry in cling film & keep in the fridge for at least an hour (this is best made the day before).
How to Roll the Pastry & Assemble the Empanadas:
1Remove the pastry from the fridge & leave at room temp for 20mins.
2Cut the pastry into 4 as it is easier to roll in small batches.
3Roll each batch on a lightly floured surface using the gluten free flour.
4Roll into a thin (approx.3 - 4mm thick) & even circle or square.
5Using the round cookie cutter, cut the pastry into as many rounds you can.
6With a dessert spoon place some of the filling into the centre of each pastry round.
7Gently fold over one side of the pastry to form a semi-circle & gently press the sides together.
8Using a fork, press the sides together (I tend to do this on both sides & then repeat on the presentation side).
9Place the empanada on the silicone lined baking tray.
10Repeat the process until you have rolled & assembled all the pastry & mix.
11Do not let the empanadas touch each other on the baking tray.
12It is always recommended to allow the empanadas to rest in the fridge for at least 30mins before baking.
13Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for 8 - 10 mins or until golden.
14Allow to cool down if required to keep. Make sure they are in a airtight container & kept in the fridge.
15Serve with a mix of coconut yogurt, tahini & lemon juice or sweet chilli sauce.