Spanish Rice Empanadas featuring UNCLE BEN’S® Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice Empanadas

Makes: 12 servings
Segment: Spanish Rice Empanadas featuring UNCLE BEN’S® Spanish Rice

INGREDIENTS

Empanada Filling:
  • 4 c UNCLE BEN’S® Spanish Rice, prepared according to box
  • 31 oz canned dark red kidney beans, no salt
    • added, drained and rinsed
  • 1 T ground cumin
  • 1 t salt
  • 2 t smoked paprika
  • 2 c quesillo cheese, shredded
Empanadas:
  • 15 pie dough, prepared
  • 8 eggs
  • ¼ c water
  • 2½ qt empanada filling
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    DIRECTION

    Empanada Filling:
    1. Pulse beans in food processor three times, keeping structure but giving a quick mash.
    2. Combine all ingredients and chill for at least 1 hour.
    Empanada dough:
    1. Allow pie dough to temper at room temperature for 15 minutes.
    2. Cut out dough with a 3.5" ring mold (you should get 5 rounds). Dough rounds are 1/8" thick.
    3. Beat egg with water in a bowl to make egg wash.
    4. Reserve.
    Empanadas:
    1. Fill cut pie dough with ¾ oz of filling (you can use a purple #40 scoop).
    2. Pinch down firmly and crimp edges.
    3. Place empanadas on silpat/parchment lined sheet tray and brush with egg wash. Bake in preheated oven 350ºF and cook for 15-20 minutes.
    4. Suggestion: make extra, in case some burst.
    Plating:
    1. 6 empanadas
    2. Serving suggestion: Garnish with minced parsley and serve with ramekin of chunky salsa verde.

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