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Instructions
1. Prepare the filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the corn kernels and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the flaked tuna, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then fold in the shredded mozzarella and fresh herbs, if using. Set aside.
2. Make the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg and cold water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Assemble the empanadas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (a glass or a cookie cutter works well) to cut out circles of dough, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
- Place a spoonful of the tuna, corn, and mozzarella filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing the empanada tightly.
- Place the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve:
- Let the empanadas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm as an appetizer, snack, or light meal.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor variations: Feel free to add diced bell peppers, olives, or capers to the filling for extra flavor.
- Make them mini: Use a smaller cutter to make bite-sized empanadas for a party platter or appetizer.
- Freezing tips: You can freeze the empanadas before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
These Tuna, Corn, and Mozzarella Empanadas are a simple, satisfying, and flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual dinner or looking for a tasty snack to share with friends, these empanadas are versatile and easy to make. The combination of tender tuna, sweet corn, and melted mozzarella wrapped in a crispy dough is sure to delight your taste buds.
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