Argentine Roasted Pumpkin, Cheese and Mild Chimichurri Hand Pies

Name: Argentine Roasted Pumpkin, Cheese and Mild Chimichurri Hand Pies
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Argentina
Ingredients: 17 oz empanada dough discs or baking pastry rounds; 1.1 lb pumpkin or butternut squash; 6.3 oz onion; 6.3 oz mozzarella cheese; 1 oz grated parmesan-style cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 oz fresh parsley; 0.3 oz garlic; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1/2 tsp mild ground chili flakes; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1.8 oz egg; 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Savory hand pies inspired by Argentine flavors, filled with roasted pumpkin, golden onions, cheese, and a touch of mild chimichurri. Crisp on the outside and creamy inside, perfect for a casual meal or a generous snack board.

35 minPrep

45 minCook

80 minTotal

8Servings

Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings

16 discos 480 g empanada dough discs or baking pastry rounds (cold, listas for usar)
500 g pumpkin or butternut squash (pelada and cut diced small)
180 g onion (cut diced finos)
180 g mozzarella cheese (grated or diced small)
30 g grated parmesan-style cheese (for the relleno)
30 ml olive oil (divided)
15 g fresh parsley (chopped fino)
2 dientes 8 g garlic (chopped or grated)
2 g dried oregano (divided)
15 ml red wine vinegar (for chimichurri suave)
1 g mild ground chili flakes (optional)
2 g sweet paprika (for the calabaza)
8 g salt (or to taste, divided)
2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
1 unidad 50 g egg (beaten for brush)
9 g sesame seeds (for decorar)

Nutrition facts

per serving

295 kcal

Calories

10 g

Protein

25 g

Carbs

17 g

Fat

2 g

Fiber

23 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyEggsSesame

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the pumpkin on a baking tray and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
2
While the pumpkin roasts, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until soft and golden.
3
Make a mild chimichurri by mixing the parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, chili flakes, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and 1 tablespoon water. Add a pinch of salt and stir well.
4
Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a bowl and mash it lightly with a fork. Mix in the golden onion, mozzarella, grated cheese, and 2 teaspoons of the mild chimichurri. Taste and adjust with the remaining salt if needed. Let the filling cool for 10 minutes so it firms up slightly.
5
Lower the oven temperature to 200 °C / 400 °F. Place 8 dough discs on the work surface. Divide the filling among them, leaving a clean border. Lightly moisten the edges with water, cover with the other 8 discs, and seal by pressing with your fingers or a fork.
6
Brush the top of each hand pie with the beaten egg and sprinkle the sesame seeds over them. Cut a small slit on top of each one to let steam escape.
7
Arrange the hand pies on a parchment-lined tray and bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, until puffed and deeply golden.
8
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the remaining mild chimichurri over the top or serve it on the side.

Chef tips

For a firmer filling, chill the mixture for 15 minutes before assembling. If the pumpkin is very moist, leave it in the oven 2 to 3 extra minutes to concentrate flavor and keep the pastry from getting soggy.

Substitutions

You can use kabocha squash or sweet potato instead of pumpkin. Mozzarella can be replaced with a firm melting cheese or provolone. For a sesame-free version, simply omit the topping seeds.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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