Sourdough Discard Empanadas

Sourdough Discard Empanadas are a delicious way to use that extra sourdough discard sitting in your fridge. These savory pastries offer a perfect balance of flaky crust and flavorful filling, making them a hit for any occasion. Explore this simple recipe to create a delightful dish that you and your family will love!

Why You’ll Love Sourdough Discard Empanadas:

1. Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
2. Versatile Fillings: Customize your empanadas with a variety of fillings, from seasoned meats to cheesy veggie options.
3. Sourdough Benefits: Using sourdough discard not only reduces waste but also gives the dough a unique flavor and texture.
4. Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a party, or a snack, these empanadas fit in perfectly.
5. Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time, and they’ll be ready to bake when you need a quick meal.

Prep & Cook Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes

What You Need For Sourdough Discard Empanadas

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sourdough discard
• 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 cup filling of choice (seasoned ground chicken, ground turkey, or your favorite cheese and vegetables)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sourdough Discard Empanadas

1. Combine Flour and Salt

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to incorporate.

2. Add the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Incorporate Sourdough Discard

Stir in the sourdough discard to form a crumbly mixture.

4. Add Water

Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.

5. Divide and Roll Out

Divide the dough into equal portions and roll out each piece to about 1/8 inch thick.

6. Add Filling and Fold

Place filling in the center of each round and fold the dough over, sealing the edges.

7. Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Pro Tips to Perfect Sourdough Discard Empanadas

1. Chill the Dough: For even flakier empanadas, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
2. Sealing Edges: Use a fork to crimp the edges for a better seal and added decoration.
3. Brushing for Shine: Brush the tops with an egg wash for a beautifully golden finish.
4. Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to play with different ingredients. Leftover meats or roasted veggies work wonderfully.
5. Keep an Eye on Baking: Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time.

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Empanadas

Sourdough Discard Empanadas are delicious served warm straight from the oven. Pair them with dipping sauces like chimichurri, salsa, or a creamy avocado sauce for extra flavor. They also make an excellent appetizer for gatherings or a savory snack during movie night.

Storing Your Sourdough Discard Empanadas

1. Room Temperature: Store cooked empanadas at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
2. Refrigerate: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Freeze Before Baking: You can freeze unbaked empanadas. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.
4. Reheat in the Oven: To reheat empanadas, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Cool Before Storing: Ensure empanadas cool completely before sealing in containers to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Keys to Recipe Success

1. Use Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and water will help create a flakier pastry.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to prevent tough dough.
3. Taste Your Filling: Make sure your filling is well-seasoned, as this is the highlight of the empanadas.
4. Uniform Size: Make sure all empanadas are the same size for even cooking.
5. Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid over-browning.

Flavor Twist Ideas

1. Spicy Black Bean Filling: Substitute ground meat with spiced black beans for a flavorful vegetarian option.
2. Cheesy Spinach and Feta: A mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs offers a Mediterranean twist.
3. BBQ Chicken: Use shredded BBQ chicken for a smoky flavor profile.
4. Sweet Variation: For dessert, fill them with chocolate or fruit preserves.
5. Italian Style: Combine mozzarella with pepperoni for an Italian-inspired filling.

Sourdough Discard Empanadas FAQ Guide

1. Can I use other types of flour?
   Yes, you can use different flours, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, but the texture may vary.

2. Can I refrigerate the dough before using it?
   Absolutely! Chilling the dough will enhance the texture and make it easier to roll out.

3. Can these be made in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare them ahead and either freeze them or refrigerate the uncooked empanadas.

4. Can I bake them from frozen?
   Yes, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Closing Remarks

Sourdough Discard Empanadas are a fantastic way to elevate your cooking while minimizing waste. This simple recipe empowers you to create delicious pastries in no time. With a variety of filling options, they can suit any taste or occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite!

Sourdough Discard Empanadas

Edith Adams

Delicious savory pastries made with sourdough discard, offering a flaky crust and customizable fillings, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Latin

Servings 8 pieces

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sourdough discard
• 1/4 cup butter, cold and cubed Use cold for flakiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold water Use cold for flakiness.

Filling Options

• 1 cup filling of choice (seasoned ground chicken, ground turkey, or your favorite cheese and vegetables) Choose according to preference.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir to incorporate.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the sourdough discard to form a crumbly mixture.
• Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball.
• Divide the dough into equal portions and roll out each piece to about 1/8 inch thick.
• Place filling in the center of each round and fold the dough over, sealing the edges.

Baking

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling for flakiness. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a better seal and added decoration. Brush tops with an egg wash for a golden finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Keyword Empanadas, leftover, Recipe, savory pastries, Sourdough

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