Indulge in the rich flavors of ham and Roquefort cheese with these delectable empanadas. The flaky pastry crust encases a savory filling that combines cooked ham, Roquefort cheese, and a blend of aromatic spices. These empanadas make for a perfect appetizer or a satisfying snack. With a prep time of just 30 minutes, you can easily whip up a batch of these crowd-pleasing treats. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious treat, these ham and Roquefort empanadas are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely diced
- 1 cup Roquefort cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough gently until smooth, then shape it into a disk and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced ham, crumbled Roquefort cheese, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough, approximately 4 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the ham and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges of the empanada together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
- Transfer the empanadas to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delicious ham and Roquefort empanadas warm or at room temperature.
Interesting Facts
Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American countries and are typically filled with various ingredients.
Roquefort cheese is a type of blue cheese that originates from the South of France.
The word 'empanada' comes from the Spanish verb 'empanar,' which means 'to bread' or 'to coat in bread.' This refers to the traditional method of folding the dough over the filling before baking.
Empanadas can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a main course depending on the size and filling.
Ham and Roquefort is a classic pairing that provides a balance of smoky and savory flavors.