Fried Cheese Empanadas

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cheese, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
3. Slowly add the cold water to the flour mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into circles with a 3-inch round cookie cutter.
5. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough in half, sealing the edges with a fork.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Interesting Facts

• Empanadas are a popular Latin American dish that originated in Spain.
• The name "empanada" comes from the Spanish verb "empanar," which means "to wrap in bread."
• Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, beef, chicken, or vegetables.
• Fried cheese empanadas are a popular snack in many Latin American countries.