Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup lard or 1/2 cup unsalted butter , chilled
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter , chilled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup ice water ( approx )
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large white onion , diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 bunches swiss chard , about 1lb . total weight , trimmed , leaves cut into small pieces and stems cut into 1/2-inch dice
3/4 cup grated romano cheese or 3/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated manchego cheese ( or other good melting cheese ) or 1/4 cup monterey jack cheese ( or other good melting cheese )
squeeze of fresh lime
1 egg , beaten , for glaze
freshly cracked pepper
Swiss Chard Empanadas are a savory and satisfying appetizer that originated in Spain and have since become popular all over the world. The crust of the empanada is made from a combination of flour, lard or butter, and salt, which is then filled with a mixture of Swiss chard, onions, and cheese. These empanadas can be served as a snack or a full meal, and are often enjoyed with a variety of condiments like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. With their crispy crust and flavorful filling, Swiss Chard Empanadas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner party or get-together.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cut in the lard or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2.Gradually stir in the ice water until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces.
3.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
4.Stir in the diced stems of Swiss chard and cook until tender. Add the Swiss chard leaves and cook until wilted.
5.Remove from the heat and stir in the grated romano cheese, grated manchego cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
6.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7.Roll each piece of dough into a circle, about 6 inches wide. Spoon 1/4 cup of the Swiss chard mixture into the center of each circle.
8.Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
9.Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with beaten egg.
10.Sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

PROS

These Swiss Chard Empanadas are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that can be served as a snack or a full meal.

The Swiss chard and cheese filling provides a savory and comforting taste that will satisfy your cravings.

The empanadas are baked, which makes them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried empanadas.

CONS

Making the dough from scratch takes some extra time and effort, but it’s worth it for the delicious taste and satisfying texture of the final product.

The Swiss Chard Empanadas are not gluten-free, so they may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The Swiss chard in this recipe is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium.
Swiss chard is also high in antioxidants and fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Using olive oil instead of butter or lard helps to reduce the amount of saturated fat in the recipe, while the use of low-fat cheeses provides flavor without excessive calories.

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