Mushroom Turnovers, also known as Empanadas, are delectable pastry pockets filled with a savory mixture of creamed mushrooms. These turnovers can be customized to suit your taste, allowing you to experiment with additional ingredients like cheese or sautéed vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, these mushroom-filled delights are sure to satisfy your cravings.
SERVES 8
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 recipe Basic Pie Dough or 1 package frozen puff pastry
- 1 recipe Creamed Mushrooms or mushrooms from Step 2 of Polenta-Style Grits with Wild Mushroom Ragout
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Dough and Filling: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s ready when the turnovers are assembled and ready to be baked.
- Roll out the dough to a medium thickness, approximately equivalent to the thickness of a hardcover book cover. This will provide the ideal pastry-to-filling ratio.
- Use a circular cutter, such as an empty can, to stamp out 16 disks from the rolled-out dough. These disks will form the pockets for your turnovers.
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the prepared Creamed Mushrooms or mushrooms from Step 2 of Polenta-Style Grits with Wild Mushroom Ragout onto the center of each dough disk.
- Assemble the Turnovers: To seal the turnovers, moisten the edge of each dough disk slightly. This will help the pastry stick together when folded.
- Carefully fold each disk in half, creating a half-moon shape. Ensure that the edges align evenly.
- To secure the turnovers, crimp the edges shut using the tines of a fork. This not only seals the turnovers but also adds a decorative touch.
- Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Create an egg wash by combining the beaten egg with milk. This mixture will add a beautiful golden finish to the turnovers when baked.
- Gently brush the egg wash onto the tops of the turnovers, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the assembled turnovers to a baking sheet, arranging them with enough space in between.
- Bake the turnovers in the preheated oven for approximately 25–30 minutes or until they are plump and have achieved a golden brown hue.
Mushroom Turnovers, or Empanadas, are a delightful fusion of flaky pastry and creamy mushroom goodness. These versatile treats can be enjoyed as a savory snack, an appetizer for gatherings, or even as a light meal. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to experiment with various ingredients, letting your creativity shine. With their golden appearance and delectable filling, Mushroom Turnovers are bound to become a favorite addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the satisfying combination of crispy pastry and creamy mushrooms in each delicious bite.
