"Empanadas with Corn Dough” or “Quesadillas” are a delicious snack which can be eaten any day. They can be filled with a variety of fillings from farmer fresh cheese, squash flowers, potatoes, ground meat, shrimp, chicken, etc.
If you visit Mexico City or any small town, you will not have trouble finding a stand serving a variety of delicious empanadas. You can invite friends for a casual dinner any evening and present them with these empanadas. Believe me, they will not be disappointed!
Empanadas with Corn Dough / Empanadas con Masa de Maíz
Today’s corn empanadas are filled with “Tinga Poblana”, but you can also use fresh Mexican cheese, shredded cooked chicken, shrimp or cooked ground meat. Fillings vary from region to region, so here you can be creative and set your imagination free. I saved some of the “Tinga Poblana” from last week to cook these empanadas because the flavor of corn dough complements them very well.
Actually, the main reason for making these corn empanadas with “Tinga Poblana” is because I remember eating them in a small restaurant with tables and chairs outdoors. No, I am not talking about a fancy Paris-like restaurant, I’m talking about a run down place with ugly plastic furniture with good cheap food. The dough is very crispy and the Tinga is really flavorful. Enjoy!
How to make Empanadas with Corn Dough
- Prepare the dough in a bowl, mixing the masa harina, salt, and warm water to form a ball, knead dough until smooth. Divide the dough into 12 balls, and flatten and slightly cover with plastic wrap. Set aside. (Please check the ingredients list below)
- Place one ball of dough between two pieces of plastic and press using a tortilla press, a heavy skillet or a dish. I know, you have seen the tortilla press, but somehow I love to use my glass dishes for this step. So, do not be afraid, use whatever you have.
- Remove the top piece of plastic and spoon some of the stuffing onto the tortilla. Leaving enough room to seal the edges.
- Using the piece of plastic fold the dough over to make a half moon shape turn over. Pinch the edges, making sure they seal to avoid any leaking of the mixture while frying. Remove the empanada from the plastic set aside on a large plate or tray and cover with a plastic wrap. Keep working with the rest of the dough making the empanadas.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. It's frying time!
- Deep fry the empanadas one or two at a time until golden brown.
- About 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot topped with lettuce and avocado. Eat them adding some salsa. After that, take a long walk.
Did you like the recipe? Please let me know in the comments section, do you have questions, or share the link with your friends. I hope you have an incredible time cooking!
Provecho!
Mely Martinez, the cook at Mexico in my Kitchen!
More recipes:
Crab Empanadas Recipe
Tuna Empanadas
Receta en español Empanadas de Maíz.
Empanadas with Corn Dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups of masa harina
- 1-¼ cups of warm water amount may vary depending on air humidity and other wheatear conditions.
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 pieces of round plastic cut out from a bag. freezer bags are ideal for this purpose.
- 2 cups of filling cooked chicken, ground meat or grated cheese
- 2 cups of shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado diced
- About 1 ½ cup of vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the dough in a bowl, mixing the masa harina, salt, and warm water to form a ball, knead dough until smooth. Divide the dough into 12 balls, and flatten and slightly cover with plastic wrap. Set aside.
- Place one ball of dough between two pieces of plastic and press using a tortilla press, a heavy skillet or a dish. I know, you have seen the tortilla press, but somehow I love to use my glass dishes for this step. So, do not be afraid, use whatever you have.
- Remove the top piece of plastic and spoon some of the stuffing onto the tortilla. Leaving enough room to seal the edges.
- Using the piece of plastic fold the dough over to make a half moon shape turn over. Pinch the edges, making sure they seal to avoid any leaking of the mixture while frying. Remove the empanada from the plastic set aside on a large plate or tray and cover with a plastic wrap. Keep working with the rest of the dough making the empanadas.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. It's frying time!
- Deep fry the empanadas one or two at a time until golden brown.
- About 2 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot topped with lettuce and avocado. Eat them adding some salsa. After that, take a long walk.
Selma T
Hello! Thank you for the recipe. I just have one question. Where did you get that fryer? It looks awesome!
Mely Martínez
Hello Selma,
I bought it in Mexico. You can find similar ones on Amazon. Just check the size that fits your stove before buying. Here is the LINK.
William
Hola Mely,
I just love your recipes! I was in Puerto Vallarta last month during my yearly visits, and hade corn empanadas for the first time, filled with shrimp. I and going to try your recipe, but curious about the thickness of the dough. Thin like tortillas, or a little thicker?
Mely Martínez
Hello William,
The thickness is usually the same as a tortilla.