PanSeared Sea Salt Dulse Empanadas with Fresh Guacamole

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish, look no further than PanSeared Sea Salt Dulse Empanadas with Fresh Guacamole. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of dulse (a type of edible seaweed) with a crispy empanada shell, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. Pair it with a creamy, zesty guacamole, and you have a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Empanadas:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup dulse flakes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Fresh Guacamole:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine the flour and sea salt.
2. Add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough forms a ball.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic, dulse flakes, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Allow the filling to cool before assembling the empanadas.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Cut out circles (about 4 inches in diameter) using a cutter or a bowl.
3. Place a tablespoon of the dulse filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Step 4: Cook the Empanadas

1. In a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the empanadas (cook in batches if necessary) and pan-sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Fresh Guacamole

1. In a mixing bowl, mash the avocados with a fork.
2. Add the diced tomato, red onion, lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro if desired for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Ingredient Selection: Choose fresh dulse flakes to ensure maximum flavor. You can find them at specialty health food stores or online.
• Dough Texture: The dough should be chilled before rolling to ensure it is easy to work with and creates a flaky texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the empanadas hot with a generous side of fresh guacamole. Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of lime juice over the guacamole for an extra flavor kick.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the empanadas.
• Protein Addition: Add cooked shrimp or crab to the dulse filling for a seafood twist.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like chili flakes for a spicier filling, or fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.

Mouthwatering Descriptions

Imagine biting into a perfectly golden-brown empanada, the crisp outer shell giving way to a savory filling of dulse and spices, exploding with umami flavors. The creamy guacamole adds a refreshing contrast, with every bite a balance of rich and zesty notes.

Food Photography Ideas

Capture the vibrant colors of your guacamole next to the golden empanadas. Use natural light to highlight the textures and consider a rustic wooden board as your backdrop for an inviting presentation.

Closing Thoughts

PanSeared Sea Salt Dulse Empanadas with Fresh Guacamole is not just a dish but an experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to delight. Don’t hesitate to share your cooking adventures and any variations you try with this dish.

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For further reading on dulse and its health benefits, check out Healthline’s article on seaweed.