Summer is the time where hosting parties is the thing to do. Aside from great cocktails, good finger foods are usually the hit of any well organized get together.
Snackbar-B-Q in downtown Windsor, provided us with a quick and easy recipe that would be a hit for any host and would be sure to wow friends and family: smoked chicken empanadas.
Seriously, how could you resist a smoked chicken empanada? Nice and crispy on the outside while soft and flavour packed on the inside.
Smoked Chicken Empanadas
Dough
Start with a little bit of cold water in a bowl. Add dough mixture slowly until achieving a wet play dough like consistency.
Filling
- two large potatoes
- 1 small Spanish onion
- 1 tbs cumin
- 1 tbs coriander powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh cilantro to taste
- 1 smoked chicken breast
Directions
- boil potatoes and cut in small dice
- sautee onions and shredded smoked chicken with a dash of olive oil.
- add cumin and coriander powder
- fold potatoes into sauteed mixture
- add fresh cilantro to finish
- refrigerate before forming empanadas
Aji Sauce
Blend together:
- 2 large tomatoes (the more ripe the better)
- handful of fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup of chopped Spanish onion
- 2-3 Thai chilies (seed and all)
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
To make the empanadas, use a tortilla press or rolling pin to flatten the dough. Use plastic wrap to keep the dough from sticking to the pin or tortilla press. Stuff flattened dough with a little bit of the chilled filling. Fold in half and cut the edges off in the shape of a half moon with a pint glass or coffee mug. Deep fry until golden brown and enjoy every bite with a little bit of Aji sauce.
Experiment with any desired filling: smoked tofu and cheddar, pulled pork and BBQ sauce, etc. The possibilities are endless.
