Empanadas alla pizza (empanadillas alla pizza)

Ingredienti

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shortening or unsalted butter
• 1 cup ice cold water
• 10 empanada discs (frozen or homemade)
• 1/3 cup marinara sauce
• 8 oz pasteurized mozzarella cheese (not fresh mozzarella, it's too watery)
• canola or vegetable oil (for frying)

Preparazione

1. 1

   --- To Make The Homemade Empanada Dough ---

2. 2

   In a food processor, add the flour and salt. Add the shortening or butter and pulse 1-15 times, until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

3. 3

   While pulsing, add about 3/4 cup of the water. Pulse 5-10 times, until the dough just comes together in a loose ball. Add remaining water a tablespoon at a time if all the flour has not been moistened.

4. 4

   Turn out onto a clean surface and gently knead into a smooth dough. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 days if not using immediately.

5. 5

   Divide dough into 10 pieces and roll each piece out to 1/8-inch thick. Cut into rounds using a cookie cutter or tracing a bowl with a knife. Discs can be filled immediately and cooked.

6. 6

   If not using immediately, stack on top of each other with a piece of parchment or wax paper between each disc. Place in a zip bag and refrigerate for 1 day or freeze. If using from frozen state, allow the discs to thaw at room temperature for about 10-20 minutes before using them in a recipe.

7. 7

   --- To Make The Pizza Empanadas ---

8. 8

   Preheat about 1 inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

9. 9

   Lay a slice of cheese onto the sauce (you can break the cheese into pieces if needed).

10. 10

    Seal both sides of the empanadas tightly by pressing down on the edges with a fork.

11. 11

    Fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.

12. 12

    Drain the empanadas on a plate lined with paper towel sheets and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.