Chorizo and Potato Empanadas

By
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes
Marian Blazes is a freelance writer and recipe developer with a passion for South American food. She wrote a cookbook focusing on the cuisine of Brazil.
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Updated on 07/20/21
Chorizo and potato empanadas
Marian Blazes
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 75 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Yield: 12 empanadas
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
307 Calories
16g Fat
33g Carbs
9g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories 307
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 466mg 20%
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 9%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 15mg 74%
Calcium 26mg 2%
Iron 2mg 10%
Potassium 550mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These empanadas may have been inspired by the British Cornish pasty, as they are filled with a hearty mixture of sausage and potatoes. They have plenty of South American flavor, however, from the spicy chorizo sausage and cumin-seasoned onions and potatoes. The filling is easy to make and can be prepared a day ahead, then refrigerated until ready to use, along with the empanada dough. 

Empanadas can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though they are good at room temperature as well. They are the perfect portable meal—great for lunch boxes or snacks. 

Ingredients

  • 3 to 4 chorizo sausages

  • 2 to 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 to 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 pinch salt, or to taste

  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

  • 12 pieces prepared empanada dough

  • 1 large egg yolk

Steps to Make It

  1. Prepare empanada dough according to your chose recipe. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

  2. Place the sausages in a skillet, and cover them halfway with water. Cook the sausages until the water has evaporated then continue to cook until all sides are browned and the sausages are cooked through.

  3. Use a spatula to crumble the sausages, and brown them in the skillet for a few minutes longer. Remove sausages from the heat, and set aside to cool.

  4. Place the onions, cumin, and chopped peppers in the same skillet, adding a bit of vegetable oil if needed. Sauté the vegetables until softened and fragrant. 

  5. Add the potatoes and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to the skillet with the vegetables, and cook until the liquid has evaporated. Add more liquid in small amounts if necessary, and continue to cook just until the potatoes are just tender. 

  6. Stir the sausage into the potato mixture, and let the filling cool. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Preheat the oven to 375 F.

  8. Divide the empanada dough into about 12 pieces (for medium-large empanadas), and roll each piece into a circle. 

  9. Fill each circle of dough with a couple of tablespoons of filling. Wet the edges of the dough lightly with water and fold the circle of dough in half, sealing the filling inside. Press the edges firmly to seal.

  10. Fold the edges over in a decorative braid.

  11. Brush the empanadas lightly with the egg yolk, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake empanadas for 25 to 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.

  12. Serve empanadas warm or at room temperature.