Whensaltyandsweetunite.com
If you love Fig Newtons, then you will definitely enjoy the delicious fig taste in an empanada. Fresh Fig Empanadas with Goat Cheese Walnut Filling are both delicious and an impressive appetizer. The pastry dough is filled with fresh figs that are simmered in spices and combined with the delicious flavor of the tangy goat cheese. The walnut gives the fig empanadas a nice added crunch and texture.
– It's a great snack or appetizer. Perfect if you want to throw tapas themed party. – The sweet flavor of the figs pairs well with the tangy goat cheese.. – You can use fresh figs or a fig jam.
1. Start with preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. 2. For preparing the figs: in a small saucepan over medium high heat, add the chopped figs, water, salt and honey. Bring it to a boil and then turn down the heat to low. Stir in the spices and let the figs simmer on low heat until cooked down, about 20-25 minutes. Figs will burst open and the sauce will thicken when it is done.
3. Remove from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes and stir in 1/2 cup of the walnuts.
4. For the empanada dough: Grease the sheet pans with the butter. Carefully remove the dough from the package (if using store-bought) and unroll it onto a floured work surface. Using the cookie cutter, cut out 8 circles dough circles. (16 equal portions total)
5. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of the fig mixture and 1/2 teaspoon of the goat cheese to the middle of the circle.
6. Fold the circles of dough over to a half-moon shape. Seal the edges of the dough gently with the prongs of a fork. Place them on the prepared baking sheets. Brush egg wash over the empanadas. 7. Bake in the oven 10-11 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven when done and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack or serving. 9. Serve with the remaining fig reduction along with the remaining walnuts. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.
Variations: No matter what your favorite fillings are, empanadas are always love at first bite! They can be enjoyed savory with beef, green olives or caramelized onions. Vegetarian or cheese empanadas are to die for! For sweet empanadas you can play around with different kinds of fruit.
I'm all about life, brunch and balance. On my blog, I share my health journey along with delicious and flavorful recipes using fresh flavors inspired by the Mediterranean. Check out my site and subscribe to see what's cooking next!