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5.0 from 3 votes

Carnitas Empanadas with Avocado Crema

The empanada dough is super simple to prepare and you really can't mess it up. That said, you can use a pie crust if you absolutely hate making your own dough.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 20 empanadas
Calories: 130 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 sticks
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • Pinch of paprika
  • 1 1/2-2 cups leftover carnitas
  • 1 medium ripe avocado
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the water and butter together over low heat in a medium saucepan until the butter is melted. Allow to cool a few minutes, until cool enough to touch.
  2. Mix flour, salt, and paprika in a large mixing bowl, making a well in the center. Pour the butter/water mixture into the center of the flour and mix with your hands until you get a wet, oily dough. I did this in my stand mixer with no problems whatsoever.
  3. Shape dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for two hours or overnight.
  4. To assemble to empanadas, break off about 20 golf ball sized balls of dough and roll them out in a thin, flat disc about 5 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface. Place a couple tablespoons of warmed carnitas in the center of each disc of dough and fold over to make a half moon shape. Press edges firmly to seal them and crimp with a fork or your fingers. Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. In a food processor or blend, blend together the avocado, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Serve alongside the empanadas for dipping.

Nutrition Information

Calories 130kcal (7%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 296mg (12%) Potassium 25mg (1%) Vitamin A 220IU (4%) Vitamin C 0.1mg (0%) Calcium 6mg (1%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20empanadas

Amount Per Serving

Calories 130

% Daily Value*

Calories 130kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 296mg 12%
Potassium 25mg 1%
Vitamin A 220IU 4%
Vitamin C 0.1mg 0%
Calcium 6mg 1%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.