CHICKEN EMPANADAS WITH GREEK YOGURT DIPPING SAUCE

Jul 28

DIFFICULTY | easy COOK TIME | 30 mins PREP TIME | 45 min

CHICKEN EMPANADAS WITH GREEK YOGURT DIPPING SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

CHICKEN EMPANADAS

(1) pound ground dark meat chicken

(2) T olive oil

(1/2) red onion, sliced thin

(1) green bell pepper, small dice

(1) large tomato, small dice

(1) T toasted ground coriander

(1) t chili flake (pul biber)

(1/2) t dried oregano

(1) T onion flakes

(1) T garlic flakes

(2) T tomato paste

Salt + pepper

(15) empanada shell discs

(10) x 1 inch pieces of mozzarella

(1) qt canola oil

GREEK YOGURT DIPPING SAUCE

(1) cup greek yogurt

(1/4) bunch fresh cilantro

(1) lime, juiced

(1) clove garlic, minced

(1) pinch pul biber

Salt and pepper

PREPARATION + COOKING:

In a large heavy bottom pot, add olive oil and brown ground chicken over medium high heat until cooked through and nicely browned - about 5-7 minutes.
Add spices and stir to combine + add onion, garlic, peppers and season with salt and pepper.
Continue cooking until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes - stir to combine.
Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and allow it to come to room temperature.
Make the yogurt sauce by adding all ingredients to a blender and blitzing until smooth, chill until serving.
Prepare your mozzarella, cutting it into thin small strips, and setting them aside.
Lay out your empanada shells and place a small piece of mozzarella in the center of each one.
Spoon a tablespoon or so of filling into each shell on top of the mozzarella, you want to be sure to not overfill or they will not close properly.
Fold over the sides of the dough, and use a fork to crimp closed.
Add canola oil to a steep sided pot suitable for frying, and bring up 350 degrees.
When to temp, carefully add 2-3 empanadas to the oil and fry up until golden brown.
Use a slotted spoon to remove from oil and onto a paper towel lined sheet tray to catch oil.
Sprinkle with salt while coming out of the oil and still hot to get it to stick.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Empanadas can be held in a 300 degree oven to be kept warm for 10-15 minutes prior to service.

SERVING:

You can serve with any number of dipping sauces or salsas but I served these with a greek yogurt sauce with lime, garlic, cilantro, and red pepper flake.