Delicious pear empanadas that are a classic of Chilean cuisine, particularly from the central region and are usually enjoyed at any time of the year.
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How to Make Pear Empanadas (Dried Pears)?
To prepare pear empanadas, dried fruit (dried pears) is generally used, which also gives them a more defined and concentrated flavor, perfect for sharing as a sweet appetizer or dessert.
Nutritional Information
Category: Desserts
Cuisine: Chilean
Calories: 400
Preparation: 60 minutes
Cooking: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Homemade Pear Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
1. Pear Filling
- 250 g dried pears
- 100 g sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2. Empanada Dough
- 360 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g butter
- 70 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar
Preparation
- In a small pot, place the dried pears and cover them with boiling water just until they reach the fruit level. Let sit for 15 minutes, add the sugar, stir until dissolved, and then process with a hand blender or food processor until a thick puree is obtained. Add cinnamon and cook over medium heat until boiling. Allow to cool.
- In a large bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter in small pieces and beat until a mixture with a coarse sand texture is obtained. Add 2 eggs, sugar, milk, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface, roll out until it reaches a thickness of about 2 to 3 millimeters, and cut out circles about 12 centimeters in diameter using a medium-sized plate as a mold.
- Turn on and preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for at least 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of the pear filling to the center of each circle, brush the edge with a mixture of beaten egg and water, fold, and seal the edges forming a pleat or with a fork.
- Place the empanadas on a buttered baking sheet, brush each one with the beaten egg mixture, and prick with a fork.
- Place the empanadas in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown and evenly cooked. Remove and cool on a rack. Serve the pear empanadas completely cold, optionally sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Benefits of Consuming Pears
Consuming pears, according to the USDA, provides no fats, contains 101 calories, 27 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of protein, providing 12% of the daily needs for vitamin C, 10% of vitamin K, and 6% of potassium.
The fiber and antioxidants in pears can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes or at risk of developing it.
Did you know?
Pears are native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, once being one of the favorite fruits of Persia, later being acclimated in Greece, but it was the Romans who finally established their cultivation and introduced it throughout the rest of Europe.
