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Venezuelan Empanadas de Queso (Cheese Empanadas)
Ingredients
Traditional Venezuelan empanadas use cornmeal instead of flour in the dough. The mozzarella center becomes wonderfully melty as the empanadas fry.
1 1/2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masarepa)
1 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
Vegetable oil, for frying
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Venezuelan Empanadas de Queso (Cheese Empanadas)

Venezuelan Empanadas de Queso (Cheese Empanadas)

Venezuelan Empanadas de Queso (Cheese Empanadas)
One Star Guiding Stars
  • Servings:Serves 6
  • Prep Time:15 minutes
  • Cook Time:8 minutes
directions
In a large bowl, mix cornmeal and warm water until you get a dough that's not too dry, but not too soft. Add salt to taste.
Roll out plastic wrap and cut a piece about 2" in length. Set flat on the counter. Take a palm-sized amount of dough, roll it into a ball, then flatten it into a 1/2"- to 1/4"-thick circle, not too thin so it won't fall apart. Place it on top of plastic wrap.
Place 1 tablespoon cheese in the middle of dough circle. Grab plastic wrap from the left side and fold dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the ends of dough with wet fingers to seal the empanada shut. Repeat process with remaining dough and cheese, reusing the plastic wrap for each empanada.
In a large pan, heat 1/4" oil on medium-high. In batches, shallow-fry empanadas 2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer to cooling rack or plate covered with paper towels to drain off excess oil.
Source: Hannaford fresh Magazine, May June 2024
 
 
 
 
 
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