CUBAN MANCHEGO CHEESE TURNOVERS

Cuban Manchego Cheese Turnovers image

Sweet and nutty Manchego cheese is paired with hazelnuts and raisins in this delicious mini empanada appetizer recipe.

Provided by chefboyDF

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pastries

Time 2h15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup ice-cold water, or as needed, divided
1 egg
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium white onion, diced
1 bunch fresh spinach, cut into thin strips
3 cups coarsely grated Machego cheese
1 cup dark raisins
1 cup chopped hazelnuts
1 egg
2 tablespoons water

Steps:

Whisk flour and salt together in a bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1/4 cup water, egg, and vinegar; mix with a fork to combine. Gradually mix in remaining water, adding just enough to bring dough together.
Place dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough in half and shape into balls. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add spinach; stir until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, about 5 minutes. Stir in Manchego cheese, raisins, and hazelnuts.
Grease 2 baking sheets or line with parchment paper. Beat egg and water in a small bowl.
Remove 1 ball of dough from the refrigerator. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles with a 3-inch cookie cutter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling into the center of each circle. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold in half to form a pouch, and seal.
Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Place empanadas on the prepared baking sheets and chill for 30 minutes. Reserve any remaining egg wash.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Brush the empanadas with reserved egg wash and bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 247.9 calories, Carbohydrate 21.2 g, Cholesterol 46.6 mg, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.9 g, Sodium 322.7 mg, Sugar 5.3 g