Fried Quince Empanadas

Serves: 2

Amie Torphy

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

43

Spice

51

Sweetness

43

Sourness

43

mins

Prep time (avg)

5.1

Difficulty

Ingredients:

5 large

Quince (ripe)

1 tsp

Salt

Directions:

1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F

2

Cut a lengthwise slit in each plantain and set on a baking sheet

3

Bake until the flesh is thoroughly soft and oozing through the slit, 40-50 minutes

4

Set aside to cool

5

Meanwhile, make the stuffing: Peel, core and finely chop 3 of the quinces

6

Peel and core the remaining 2 quinces and cut each into 8 wedges

7

Drop the wedges into a bowl of cold water to cover and squeeze in the lemon juice

8

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat

9

Add the brown sugar and cook, stirring, until the sugar has melted

10

Add the finely chopped quinces, ginger, orange zest, cloves and cinnamon and stir to combine

11

Add 1 cup of water and continue cooking until most of the liquid is gone, about 15 minutes

12

Add the orange juice and rum and cook until almost all of the liquid is gone, about 5 minutes

13

Drain the quince wedges and add to the pan

14

Reduce the heat, cover and cook until the wedges are just soft, about 8 minutes

15

Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the walnuts and let cool

16

(The stuffing can be make a day in advance and refrigerated)

17

Make the dough in a food processor with a paddle attachment: Peel, trim and discard any tough ends from the plantains

18

Combine the plantains and salt and pulse until a smooth puree is formed, or mix until just blended

19

Wrap in plastic and refrigerate about 2 hours

20

To assemble: Roll 2 tablespoons of the dough between your palms to form a ball

21

Line the bottom of a tortilla press with a small plastic bag and place the ball of dough in the center

22

Place another plastic bag over the dough and press to form a 3 1/2inch circle

23

Place a quince wedge on half of the dough circle and top it with a teaspoon of the sauce

24

Fold over to enclose the quince and press the edges to seal

25

Place the stuffed empanadas on a platter and chill at least 30 minutes

26

Heat the vegetable oil to 375 degrees F

27

Gently drop the empanadas into the hot oil and fry until golden, about 6 minutes

28

With a slotted spoon, remove from the oil and drain on paper towels

29

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve hot