Vegetable Empanadas (Weekend 9: Portugal)

Around the World in 30 Weekends!! The segment I wished to complete by cooking a dish from 30 different countries on 30 weekends.It is going slow for sure...but I am sure I will get there someday:))

Weekend 9:: Portugal 
Dish: Vegetable Empanadas

Empanadas , believed to have originated in Portugal and are a derivative of/ influenced by Indian Samosas.

I made a semi homemade version with store bought biscuit dough and then stuffed the empanadas with two different vegetable fillings

Red pepper and Broccoli filling:

 Spinach-Corn Filling:

Recipe:
Red pepper and broccoli filling-
Saute chopped up red pepper and broccoli with olive oil, cumin seeds, chopped garlic and salt.Add red chili flakes,black ground pepper and oregano-thyme herb mixture.
After it cools completely add shredded monterey jack cheese.

Spinach-Corn filling-
I used frozen spinach.Squeeze out all the water. Saute the spinach with olive oil, chopped garlic,red pepper flakes,black ground pepper and  salt.
After it cools completely add parmesan cheese and shredded monterey jack cheese.

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400F
1) Roll out the biscuit dough into a circle with a rolling pin.
2) Place spoonful of the veggie filling in the center. Fold into a semicircle shape.
Seal the sides by pressing with a fork or folding them.

3) Place them on oiled cookie sheet and spray with a cooking spray on the top of the empanadas.
4) Bake at 400 F for 8-10 mins. Broil from top for 1-2 mins. Bake till golden brown.

Serve hot from the oven with Salsa/ Sauce of your choice and enjoy your 'culinary' vacation in Portugal!