Spicy Chorizo Sweet Potato Empanadas
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Empanada Extravaganza!
Fancy some proper cinco de mayo party food that’ll knock your socks off? Honestly, these Spicy Chorizo & Sweet Potato Empanadas with Chipotle Crema are my absolute go-to for any fiesta.
The combo of sweet, spicy, and smoky is just divine!
A Little Empanada History
Empanadas are basically little hand pies. They're popular all over Latin America, with each country putting its own spin on them.
This version is my easy Cinco de Mayo recipe take, blending Mexican flavors with a classic pastry. It is medium difficulty to make and will require about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prep and cook 12 empanadas.
Why You'll Love This
Forget boring snacks! The top health benefit is sweet potato which is packed with Vitamin A and fibre, and they are the perfect treat for your cinco de mayo party.
These are great for Mexican party food ideas . Seriously, imagine biting into flaky pastry with a spicy chorizo recipe and sweet potato recipe filling, then dipping it in creamy, smoky chipotle crema recipe .
Total winner!
Let's Talk Ingredients
Time to gather your supplies for this empanada recipe .
Okay, let's get this cinco de mayo party food cooking! I'm thinking easy Cinco de Mayo recipes with a bit of a twist.
I'm so excited to share my Spicy Chorizo & Sweet Potato Empanadas with Chipotle Crema! They're perfect as Mexican party food ideas or even just a cheeky weeknight dinner.
Honestly, once you try these, you'll ditch the boring old snacks.
Ingredients & Equipment
These empanadas are all about fresh, bold flavors. Let's dive into what you'll need.
Main Ingredients
Dough: 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour. 1 tsp (5g) salt. 1 cup (226g) cold, cubed butter. ½ cup (120ml) ice water.
- Quality Indicators: For the dough, use cold, good quality butter. Seriously, it makes all the difference!
Filling: 1 large (450g) sweet potato. 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil. ½ tsp (2.5g) chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Salt and pepper to taste. 1 pound (450g) chorizo. 1 small onion. 2 cloves garlic. ¼ cup (60ml) cilantro. 1 egg.
- Quality Indicators: Get good quality chorizo for the best flavour. Seriously, it's worth it!
Chipotle Crema: ½ cup (120ml) sour cream. ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise. 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo. 1 tsp adobo sauce.
1 tbsp (15ml) lime juice. Pinch of salt.
Seasoning Notes
The essential spice combination here is chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Oh my gosh, it's a flavour explosion! For flavor enhancers , don't skip the fresh garlic and cilantro! You know, if you don't have chipotle peppers, you can use a dash of chipotle powder.
It's a quick substitution option !
Equipment Needed
You'll need a baking sheet. Parchment paper is essential. A food processor is handy. A large skillet for the filling too.
You'll also need a rolling pin and round cookie cutter or bowl. A pastry brush for that perfect golden brown finish! If you don’t have a food processor, don't worry, just use a pastry blender or your hands to cut in the butter.
Simple!
So, ready to turn these ingredients into some amazing Mexican appetizers ? These spicy sweet potato recipes and chorizo recipes in the empanadas will knock your socks off.
Perfect for a cinco de mayo party food , make-ahead party food or just some general party food ideas .
Let's Fiesta! Chorizo & Sweet Potato Empanadas with Chipotle Crema
Looking for the perfect cinco de mayo party food ? Forget the same old tacos. Let's spice things up with these incredible Chorizo & Sweet Potato Empanadas.
These aren't just Mexican appetizers ; they're a flavour explosion waiting to happen. Trust me, once you taste the smoky chipotle crema with the sweet and spicy filling, you'll never look back.
If you need some Mexican party food ideas , these Empanadas are a winner!
Prep Like a Pro
Essential Mise en Place: First, peel and dice your sweet potato. Get your spices measured out and ready. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and get that cilantro chopped.
Honestly, it's all about prepping before you start cooking.
Time Saving Organization: Roast those sweet potatoes ahead of time! Make the dough the day before too. This cuts your work on the cinco de mayo in half and allows you to focus on partying! Who doesn't love make-ahead party food ?
Safety Reminder: Be careful handling the raw chorizo. Wash your hands and surfaces after prepping. And don't burn yourself, natch !
Empanada Magic: step-by-step
- Roast the Sweet Potato: Toss diced sweet potato with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 20- 25 minutes , until tender and slightly browned.
- Make the Dough: Combine flour and salt. Cut in cold, cubed butter until crumbly. Slowly add ice water. Mix until a dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes . Cold is key!
- Cook the Filling: Cook chorizo, breaking it up. Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in sweet potato and cilantro. Season. Cool slightly.
- Assemble: Roll out dough. Cut circles. Fill with chorizo mixture.
- Seal & Bake: Fold dough over filling. Crimp edges. Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown.
Pro Tips for Empanada Perfection
- Keep that butter cold! Seriously, if the butter gets too warm, your dough will be tough, not flaky.
- Don't overfill them! They will explode. It's a delicious disaster!
- Why not consider some vegetarian Cinco de Mayo options ? Just swap the chorizo for black beans and corn.
These Spicy Chorizo & Sweet Potato Empanadas are a fantastic addition to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Cinco de Mayo Party Food
Alright, so you’re ready to tackle these spicy chorizo and sweet potato empanadas. Awesome! Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about a few things that'll help you nail this recipe.
Think of this as my insider tips to guarantee your cinco de mayo party food is the talk of the Mexican fiesta recipes .
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Okay, listen up. Presentation is everything, right? For these Mexican appetizers , I like to arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of the chipotle crema recipe right in the middle.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of colour. Honestly, even just a simple arrangement makes them look super fancy.
Don't be afraid to experiment!.
Want Mexican party food ideas beyond empanadas? Serve these alongside some vibrant salsa and homemade guacamole. Think about mini margaritas for a festive touch! You know, like easy Cinco de Mayo recipes are all about the vibe!
Storing Your make-ahead Party Food
These are make-ahead party food heroes. The empanadas can be assembled a day ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge.
The chipotle sour cream recipe is even better after a day. The flavors meld.
Refrigeration: Cooked empanadas will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure they're in an airtight container.
Freezing: Yep, you can freeze them! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They'll be good for up to 2 months .
To reheat, bake from frozen at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Vegetarian Cinco de Mayo Options and Other Tweaks
Fancy a change? For a Vegetarian Cinco de Mayo options , swap out the chorizo recipes for a mix of black beans, roasted corn, and bell peppers.
A bit of crumbled feta would be amazing too.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato recipes for an extra kick. Or even a Empanada recipe with shredded chicken and green chilies is really amazing!
A Little Nutrition Basics
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but let's keep it real. These are a treat! But the sweet potato adds some fiber and vitamins.
Plus, the chipotle crema recipe uses sour cream, so, you know, some calcium in there. The chorizo recipes brings in protein, its balance baby!
It's important to consume this cinco de mayo party food in moderation. Balance is key.
So there you have it! Everything you need to make these empanadas a total success. Don't be scared to get creative and make them your own! Now get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these spicy chorizo & sweet potato empanadas ahead of time for my Cinco de Mayo party?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and the filling a day in advance. Store the dough, tightly wrapped, in the refrigerator and the filling in a separate container. Assemble and bake the empanadas just before your Cinco de Mayo party.
Alternatively, you can fully assemble the empanadas, brush them with egg wash, and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
My pastry dough is always a disaster! Any tips for getting a flaky crust on these empanadas, and are there any shortcuts to making the dough?
Ah, the dreaded pastry! The key is keeping everything cold cold butter, ice water, and minimal handling. Think of it like a delicate dance, not a wrestling match. For shortcuts, store-bought puff pastry is your friend. It won't be exactly the same, but it will give you flaky layers in a fraction of the time.
I'm vegetarian. Can I adapt this recipe to make vegetarian empanadas that still fit the Cinco de Mayo party food theme?
Definitely! Ditch the chorizo and sub in a mixture of black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and maybe some crumbled queso fresco for a cheesy kick. You could even add some finely diced zucchini or poblano peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Remember to season well with chili powder, cumin, and a touch of smoked paprika to keep that lovely smoky flavor.
How long will the spicy chorizo & sweet potato empanadas last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover empanadas will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the oven (for crispier results), toaster oven, or even the microwave (though they might lose some crispiness). For longer storage, you can freeze the baked empanadas.
Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to 2 months.
Can I make the chipotle crema ahead of time? How long will it last?
Yes, the chipotle crema can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together and improve over time, so it's a great make-ahead component. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What are the nutritional considerations for this dish? I'm trying to balance flavor with a healthy diet.
These empanadas are a treat, so portion control is key! They contain a good balance of carbs, protein, and fats. To make them healthier, consider using whole wheat flour for the dough, using lean chorizo or chicken chorizo, and baking instead of frying.
You can also increase the amount of sweet potato and reduce the amount of chorizo to lower the fat content. And go easy on the chipotle crema!
Spicy Chorizo Sweet Potato Empanadas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |