7 reasons to love Caprese Empanadas

How are you, my dear friends? Here at Paulina Cocina, we bring you a recipe that mixes flavors from different culinary traditions: Caprese Empanadas. Applause please, how we like these combinations..

These empanadas are very common in Argentina, and are characterized by being highly tasty, thanks to their combination of ingredients. With a typically Italian filling, the caprese empanadas They have a unique combination of fresh and intense flavors, which are combined in the typical Argentine empanada shape.

In this article, we are going to discover what characteristics make them so special and how to make the best filling so that they do not fall apart. We are also going to give you some tips for their preparation and a recipe for baked Caprese Empanadas to make at home.

About Caprese Empanadas

Las Caprese Empanadas Empanadas are a gastronomic gem that brings the essence of the famous Italian caprese salad to the heart of Argentine empanadas. This delicious morsel fuses the crunchy dough of empanadas with the fresh and tasty filling of tomato, mozzarella and basil. The result is a unique culinary experience that conquers palates with its mix of textures and flavors. A delightful option for those looking for a fresh, delicious and vegetarian alternative to traditional empanadas.

Characteristics of Caprese Empanadas

Caprese Empanadas are They are characterized by their golden and crispy dough. that involves a fresh and juicy filling. This authentic filling generally includes the classic caprese salad ingredients: ripe tomatoes, quality mozzarella and fresh basil leavesThe combination of the crunchy texture of the dough with the creaminess of the cheese and the juiciness of the tomato creates a contrast that turns each bite into an incredible experience.

In addition, the fresh aroma of basil enhances the flavors, adding an irresistible aromatic dimension. These empanadas are very versatile and can be enjoyed as a starter, main course or as a vegetarian option at a gathering, making them perfect for any occasion.

What’s in caprese empanada?

The caprese empanada has tomato, mozzarella and basil. Classic ingredients in honor of the caprese salad, a traditional preparation of Italian cuisinespecifically originating from the island of Capri, in the Campania region. Its name, “caprese“, refers to his place of origin.

• The salad is believed to have been created as a representation of the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella) and green (basil)Its simplicity and freshness have contributed to its popularity and acceptance worldwide.

This salad has become a classic of Italian cuisine and has its versions in other products, such as caprese pizza or, as in this case, Caprese Empanadas.

9 tips for making the filling of Caprese Empanadas

In empanadas that have moist fillings, such as caprese, the role of the filling is essential, to prevent them from opening or the dough from getting wet. With practice and patience, it is possible to achieve a filling that is not only aesthetically attractive, but also effective. Here are some steps to keep in mind:

1. Make sure the filling of the Caprese Empanadas is well balanced and not too moist to prevent the dough from weakening.
2. When assembling the empanadas, Place a portion of the caprese filling in the center of each circle of dough and leave enough space around the edge to seal them smoothly.
3. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a semicircle making sure the filling is completely covered.
4. Press the edges moistening with egg or waterand crushing them with your fingers to seal them initially.
5. Start the repulgue from one end. Take a small segment of the edge and fold it inward, pressing lightly to seal.
6. Continue folding small segments of dough inward along the edge.
7. Once you have reached the opposite extreme, Seal well by pressing the edges.
8. If it is easier, after folding the dough, you can Press the edges with a fork to seal them. evenly, being careful not to break the dough
9. Brush with egg at the end, to finish sealing.

Tips and secrets for making Caprese Empanadas

• Homemade dough: If you have the time, make the dough for the empanadas. Homemade dough adds an extra touch of flavor and texture.
• Sealed: Make sure to seal the empanadas properly to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
• Sizes: Experiment with different sizes of Caprese Empanadas to adapt them to different occasions. Mini empanadas are ideal to serve as an appetizer.
• Speed: Work quickly to prevent the filling from making the dough too moist.
• Do not overload: Avoid putting too much filling in the center to make sealing easier.
• Take care of the amount of flour: Do not use too much flour when rolling out the dough, this can make sealing difficult.

Some variations in the ingredients of this recipe

A creative idea to put an interesting spin on your Caprese Empanadas is to explore the possibility of using different types of tomatoes. Instead of opting for the traditional fresh tomatoesyou can try with cherry tomatoes of various colors or even sun-dried tomatoes.

• Cherry tomatoes add concentrated sweetness and a burst of color, while sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrated in a little olive oil and garlic, add a unique depth of flavor and a gourmet touch.

This small change will not only enrich the flavor profile of your empanadas by taking them to another level, but it will also make them visually more appealing, turning them into a true feast for the senses. In addition, sun-dried tomatoes help to keep the filling less moistmaking the folding process easier and preventing the dough from softening.

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Baked Caprese Empanadas Recipe

Yield: 16 empanadas

Preparation time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 packages of empanada dough (or homemade dough)
• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 250 g fresh mozzarella, diced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Beaten egg (to seal and brush)

How to make Caprese Empanadas step by step

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

1. In a bowl, place the drained tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and mix gently to combine without breaking up the mozzarella cubes.
2. Place a generous spoonful of filling on each circle of dough. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
3. Moisten the edges of the dough with water or beaten egg. Seal well with a fork or make a classic crimping motion. Press firmly to prevent the filling from escaping.
4. Place the empanadas on a previously floured baking tray and brush them with beaten egg.
5. Bake until golden and crust is set, about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crisp. Serve warm or cold.