Chaya Empanadas

chaya empanadas
Chaya Empanadas
Print Recipe
8 empanadas Recipe courtesy Chef David Cetina
Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh corn masa
  • 1/2 cup chopped chaya leaves (may substitute spinach or watercress)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 4 cups grated Dutch edam cheese (may substitute Gouda or Muenster)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salsa roja of your choice, warmed (optional)
To Prepare
  • In a large bowl, combine the masa, chaya, and salt by kneading with your hands.
  • Pinch off a large, golf-ball sized piece of masa and roll it into a ball, then gently flatten with your palms. Place the flattened masa on a piece of plastic wrap and use your fingers to press it into a flat round tortilla about 1/8" thick (alternatively, use a tortilla press). Repeat until all of the remaining masa has been used up.
  • Place 1/2 cup of the grated cheese on one side of the masa round, then fold over to make a half-moon shape. Press around the edges with your fingers to close, using the plastic to help you out. Repeat with all the masa rounds.
  • In a large casserole or heavy bottomed pan, heat ½” of oil to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a fry thermometer, test by dropping a small ball of masa in the oil; if the oil actively bubbles around it, it's ready.
  • Working in batches, fry the empanadas in the oil until crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place the fried empanadas on a paper towel lined plate to drain off the excess oil. You may serve them with a side of warm salsa roja or salsa of your choice.
Ingredients
  • 2 cups fresh corn masa
  • 1/2 cup chopped chaya leaves (may substitute spinach or watercress)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt
  • 4 cups grated Dutch edam cheese (may substitute Gouda or Muenster)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salsa roja of your choice, warmed (optional)
 To Prepare
  • In a large bowl, combine the masa, chaya, and salt by kneading with your hands.
  • Pinch off a large, golf-ball sized piece of masa and roll it into a ball, then gently flatten with your palms. Place the flattened masa on a piece of plastic wrap and use your fingers to press it into a flat round tortilla about 1/8" thick (alternatively, use a tortilla press). Repeat until all of the remaining masa has been used up.
  • Place 1/2 cup of the grated cheese on one side of the masa round, then fold over to make a half-moon shape. Press around the edges with your fingers to close, using the plastic to help you out. Repeat with all the masa rounds.
  • In a large casserole or heavy bottomed pan, heat ½” of oil to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a fry thermometer, test by dropping a small ball of masa in the oil; if the oil actively bubbles around it, it's ready.
  • Working in batches, fry the empanadas in the oil until crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Place the fried empanadas on a paper towel lined plate to drain off the excess oil. You may serve them with a side of warm salsa roja or salsa of your choice.

13 comments on “Chaya Empanadas”

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  1. It says “fresh masa” ….what is the best method/exact ingredients (brand name included please) for making fresh Masa…..like the best masa?😁

    Reply

  3. There was another botana that was made with ground beef. With David on this show. Can I get the receipe.

    Reply

  6. Hola, Pati. I love your TV shows and recipes. I want to make these empanadas but can’t find chaya here in Mississippi where I live. Can I substitute fresh Swiss chard or kale for the chaya leaves as well as substituting with spinach or watercress? Thank you!

    Reply

  7. Hola, Pati. I love your TV shows and recipes. I want to make these empanadas but can’t find chaya here in Mississippi where I live. Can I substitute fresh Swiss chard or kale for the chaya leaves as well as substituting with spinach or watercress? Thank you!

    Reply