Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 2 pounds onions, diced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped shallots
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons chopped mixed green and red peppers
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chardonnay wine
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable stock
  • 4 ounces portobello mushrooms, chopped
  • 4 ounces carrots, diced
  • 4 ounces green zucchini, diced
  • 4 ounces yellow squash, diced
  • 8 ounces broccoli, diced
  • 8 ounces mixed vegetables
  • 8 ounces chopped fresh spinach
  • 8 ounces creamed corn
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • 12 Empanada dough disks
  • 2 large egg yolks, beaten

Method

  • In a large pot, over medium heat, melt the vegetable shortening.
  • Add the onions, shallots, and garlic and cook until they are soft but not browned.
  • Lower the heat and add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped mixed green and red peppers, parsley, wine, stock, and mushrooms.
  • Bring a large pot of water to the boil.
  • Add the carrots, zucchini, squash, and broccoli and cook until the vegetables are al dente.
  • Add the mixed vegetables and spinach and heat through.
  • Drain the vegetables and put them into an ice bath.
  • When cool, drain well.
  • Put the vegetables back into the pot along with the creamed corn.
  • Mix in the red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place 1/4 cup vegetable mixture on the middle of each empanada dough disk.
  • Avoid reaching the edges with the filling because oiliness will prevent good sealing.
  • Slightly wet the edges, fold in half, and stick edges together.
  • The shape should resemble a half-moon.
  • Seal by pinching the edge between your thumb and index finger to make a curl about 5 or 6 times.
  • Other sealing procedures like pinching without curling or using a fork to seal will not prevent the juices from leaking.
  • Place the finished empanadas on the cookie sheet and brush them with the egg yolk.
  • Cook until they are golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.