This recipe is ideal for preparing light and crispy empanadas, perfect for any occasion.

You can fill them with the flavors you like the most, such as cabbage with carrots or potatoes with mushrooms.

The dough is simple and practical, without the need to use butter or complicated ingredients.

Ingredients

For the dough

• 100 ml of warm water

• 100 ml of vegetable oil (sunflower or corn)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For filling 1: Cabbage and carrot

• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium carrot
• 2 cups fresh cabbage or sauerkraut
• Oil for sautéing
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a pinch of sugar

For filling 2: Potatoes and mushrooms

• 3 large potatoes
• 500 g fresh mushrooms
• 2 medium onions
• Oil for sautéing
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the dough : Mix the warm water, oil and salt in a bowl. If you prefer a sweet touch, add the sugar. Sift the flour and add it little by little. Mix with a spoon and then knead with your hands until you obtain a soft and homogeneous dough. Cover with a clean cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
2. Cabbage and carrot filling : Finely chop the onion and grate the carrot. Sauté the onion in oil until translucent. Add the carrot and cabbage. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar if desired. Set aside.

1. Potato and mushroom filling : Boil the diced potatoes until tender. Drain and mash with a knob of butter. Separately, chop the onions and mushrooms. Sauté the onions in oil, add the mushrooms and cook until the liquid evaporates. Mix with the mash and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assembling the empanadas : Divide the dough into 15 portions. Roll out each portion into thin discs. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each disc and close the empanadas. You can shape them into a cylinder or a packet.
3. Cooking : Place the empanadas on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush them with milk or strong black tea for a golden colour. Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for 15-20 minutes, until golden.

Tips

• You can experiment with other fillings, such as corn and cheese, minced meat or spinach with ricotta.
• If you have any dough left over, use it to make savory sticks or small loaves of bread.