Recipe: Empanadas de Mariscos (Shellfish Empanadas)

Empanadas de Mariscos (Shellfish Empanadas)
MAKES 20

Empanadas are first mentioned in Chile in 1652, and were probably introduced there by the conquistadores. Today, these savory turnovers are a particularly popular Sunday fare.

FOR THE DOUGH:
3 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup shortening, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
2 eggs

FOR THE FILLING:
3/4 cup dry white wine
2 dozen littleneck clams, scrubbed
2 dozen mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1 lb. sea scallops
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp. sweet paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Work in shortening and butter, using your fingers. Lightly beat together eggs and 1/2 cup water in a bowl, then work into flour mixture. Knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Place 1/2 cup wine in a medium saucepan. Add clams, cover, and steam over medium-high heat. Remove clams as shells open; set aside (discard any that don't open). Add mussels to cooking liquid, cover, and steam. Remove mussels as shells open; set aside (discard any that don't open). Strain and reserve cooking liquid. When cool, remove clams and mussels from shells and coarsely chop. Discard shells.

Poach scallops in strained cooking liquid in a medium saucepan over medium heat until firm, 3-5 minutes. Remove scallops, reserving cooking liquid, and, when cool, coarsely chop and set aside.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Add cumin, oregano, and paprika, cook 1-2 minutes, then add shellfish, 1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid, and remaining wine. Season with salt and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.

Shape empanada dough into 20 small balls. Roll each into a 6'' round on a lightly floured surface. Place 2 tbsp. filling in the center of each, dampen edges with water, and fold to enclose filling. Press edges to seal. (Assembled empanadas may be frozen. Defrost before frying.)

Heat 3/4'' oil in skillet. Fry empanadas in batches, turning once, until golden, 1-2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

Source: Saveur in September/October 1996.