Season 09 - Lunch / S09L06
Pernil Stuffed Empanadas
Story
Don Luis remembers the holidays in Puerto Rico when the whole family would gather around the table, laughing, singing, and waiting for that first bite of juicy pernil. But what truly made him smile were the next-day leftovers — when his abuela would turn that slow-roasted pork into empanadas, crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside. 🤤🌴 In his rustic kitchen, Don Luis brings back those memories by folding that same juicy pernil into delicate discs of dough, sealing each one like a tiny treasure chest. They’re perfect for little hands and big appetites alike — a crispy, savory snack that dances with flavor in every bite. 💃🥟 Time & Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pernil (shredded) 🐖
- 1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 2 tbsp sofrito 🌿
- 1 tsp sazón with achiote 🧡
- 0.5 tsp adobo seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce 🍅
- 10 empanada discs (store-bought or homemade) 🥟
- 1 egg (for egg wash) 🥚
- Oil for frying (or spray for air fryer) 🛢️
Instructions
- 1Warm the filling – In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add sofrito, sazón, adobo, and tomato sauce. Stir in the shredded pernil and cook for 3–5 minutes until well blended. Let it cool.
- 2Assemble – Place 1–2 tbsp of the pork filling in the center of each empanada disc. Fold in half, press edges with a fork to seal. 🥟
- 3Egg wash – Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- 4Cook –
- 5Fried:* Heat oil and fry each empanada for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- 6Air Fryer:* Preheat to 375°F and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 7Cool & enjoy – Let them cool slightly, then serve with a side of mayo-ketchup or fresh lime wedges! 🍋
About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
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