Empanadas de Calabaza

Empanadas de Calabaza, or Pumpkin Empanadas, are a traditional Mexican treat, especially popular during festivities. These pastries boast a flavorful pumpkin filling encased in a soft yet firm embracing dough, delivering a perfect bite of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients

For the Filling:
🎃 1 pie pumpkin (4 cups of pulp)
🌿 1 tsp all-spice
⭐ 2 anise stars
🌰 1 cinnamon stick
💧 2 cups of water
🍯 1 cup of brown sugar
🍶 2 tbsp of molasses

For the Dough:
🍞 1 tbsp of active dry yeast
💧 1/2 cup of warm water
🥣 4 cups of all-purpose flour
🍬 3/4 cup of sugar
🥄 1/2 tsp baking soda
⚱️ 1 tsp of freshly ground cinnamon
🥚 1 egg
🧈 3/4 cup margarine, melted (1 1/2 sticks)

For the Egg Wash:
🥚 1 egg
🥛 1 tbsp of condensed milk or water

Instructions

1- Prepare the Filling:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Roast the pie pumpkin for about 40 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, deseed, and mash.
• In a pot, combine all-spice, anise stars, cinnamon stick, and water. Bring to a boil to create a spiced tea.
• Add the brown sugar, molasses, and mashed pumpkin to the pot. Cook on medium heat until thickened. Let cool completely.

2- Make the Dough:

• Sprinkle yeast over warm water and stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and sugar from the dough ingredients. Let sit until foamy.
• In a large bowl, mix remaining flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon.
• Add melted margarine and egg to the flour mixture. Stir well, then knead on a floured surface until smooth and slightly sticky.
• Cover dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.

3- Assemble the Empanadas:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet with lard.
• Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. Roll each into an oval shape.
• Place 2 tablespoons of cooled pumpkin filling into each oval, fold, and seal the edges by pinching and folding upwards.
• Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

4- Bake:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and condensed milk or water for the egg wash. Brush over empanadas.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Check for a firm exterior with a soft interior.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 empanadas
Equipment: Oven, baking sheet, mixing bowls, rolling pin, saucepan

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the pumpkin filling is completely cooled before filling the dough to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance and the dough’s texture.

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Empanadas de Calabaza