Cultured Meat Empanadas Recipe

 

A delicious Latin American fusion!

These empanadas offer a unique twist on a classic Latin American dish, featuring a savoury filling made with ground, cultured meat. The combination of cultured meat, corn, black beans, and spices creates a flavourful and satisfying experience.

Ingredients:

For the empanada dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water

For the filling:

• 1 pound ground, cultured meat
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground, cultured meat over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the corn, black beans, onion, garlic, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Assemble the empanadas: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 3-inch cookie cutter. Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre of each circle. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges firmly to seal.
4. Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the empanadas until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Serve: Serve the empanadas hot with your favourite dipping sauce, such as salsa or chimichurri.

Nutrition Information (per empanada):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
• Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams

Tips:

• Make ahead: Prepare the dough and filling in advance for a quicker weeknight meal.
• Customise the filling: Add other ingredients like cheese, bell peppers, or jalapeños to your liking.
• Bake instead of fry: For a healthier option, bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Enjoy these delicious and innovative cultured meat empanadas!