Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Empanada Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ll love this Pumpkin Empanada recipe. The moment you take a bite, you’ll experience that warm, comforting flavor of pumpkin paired with aromatic spices.
It’s like autumn wrapped in a flaky pastry! Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on cozy evenings.
I adore how easy they’re to make, yet they impress everyone with their deliciousness. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to whip them up every season.
They’re not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of fall in every bite!
Ingredients of Pumpkin Empanada
When it comes to making Pumpkin Empanadas, having the right ingredients is essential for achieving that perfect blend of flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in the combination of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a deliciously satisfying treat.
Just imagine the smell of warm spices wafting through your kitchen as you prepare these delightful pastries. So, let’s gather everything we need to whip up these fall-inspired delights.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Empanada:
- 7 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ice cold water
- 1 large egg (for dough)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for filling)
- 1 cup firmly-packed dark brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for sprinkling)
Now, let’s talk about some important things to reflect upon when gathering these ingredients. First off, the pumpkin puree is a key player here, so make sure you pick up the right one. You want pure pumpkin goodness, not the pre-spiced pie filling that will throw off the whole balance of flavors.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use fresh pumpkin. Just roast it, mash it up, and you’ll have a fresh twist on the classic. Also, don’t skimp on the spices; they’re what really brings the warm, cozy essence of fall into your empanadas.
How to Make Pumpkin Empanada
Alright, let’s plunge into making those scrumptious Pumpkin Empanadas. First things first, we need to whip up a buttery, flaky dough. Start by grabbing 7 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of vegetable shortening. Pop those into the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm them up—trust me, this little trick is a game changer for achieving that dreamy texture.
Once they’re nice and chilled, cut them into small pieces. Next, in the bowl of your food processor, combine 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Give it a quick pulse, about 3 to 4 times, just to blend them together. Then add your butter pieces and pulse another 5 to 6 times until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Now, toss in the shortening and pulse a few more times—just 3 or 4 will do.
After that, it’s time to bring the dough to life. Remove the lid and pour in 1 tablespoon of ice-cold water and 1 large egg. Replace the lid and pulse around 5 times. Make sure to stop and scrape down the sides, because we want everything to blend evenly. Pulse it a few more times, and you’ll know it’s ready when the dough holds together when you squeeze it in your hand. If it’s still crumbly, don’t panic; a little splash of cold water can help.
Once it’s good to go, wrap that dough in plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge while we move on to the filling.
Now, let’s talk about that delicious pumpkin filling. In a medium bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix in 1 cup of firmly-packed dark brown sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, an 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves, and the zest of half an orange. This mixture is where the magic happens; the warm spices and sweet pumpkin create a cozy hug in pastry form.
Once it’s all well combined, grab that dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles, and fill each one with a spoonful of your pumpkin mixture. Fold them over and seal the edges, using a fork to crimp and make them look all fancy.
For that golden touch, whisk together 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of water for an egg wash, brushing it over the tops. Sprinkle a little sugar and a pinch of cinnamon for good measure, and then bake them until they’re golden brown and your kitchen smells like heaven. Enjoy every bite of your fall-inspired treat. Trust me, they won’t last long.
Pumpkin Empanada Substitutions & Variations
While pumpkin empanadas are delightful as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore to make them your own.
For a twist, try using sweet potato or butternut squash instead of pumpkin. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling. You can also swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness.
For the dough, consider using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with fillings like cream cheese or chocolate for a unique dessert option.
Enjoy getting creative!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Empanada
If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniments to your pumpkin empanadas, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Both options enhance the sweet and spiced flavors beautifully.
I also love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra warmth. For a contrasting flavor, try a drizzle of caramel sauce or a tangy cranberry sauce; they complement the empanadas wonderfully.
Pairing them with a warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider creates a cozy experience, making it a delightful treat for any gathering or dessert table. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your pumpkin empanadas turn out perfectly, I recommend chilling your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps keep the butter cold, resulting in a flaky crust.
When filling your empanadas, don’t overstuff them; about a tablespoon of filling works well. Make sure to seal the edges properly, using a fork to crimp if needed.
For a lovely golden finish, brush the tops with an egg wash before baking. Finally, let them cool slightly after baking; the filling will be hot!
Enjoy your delicious creations and share them with friends and family!