The technique of how to make delicious Empanadas Costa Rican style was introduced to by my dear friend Rosita. She lives in Ciudad Quesada, San Carlos, Costa Rica and works at the Cross Cultural Solutions house as the cook. Rosita is the kind of woman that everyone wants as their grandmother. She is always singing in the kitchen as she prepares the most delicious food you can imagine. Her laugh rings through the kitchen as she enters every afternoon to prepare the mid-day coffee for everyone. After a leisurely break and chat with friends, Rosita sets about the preparation of dinner. She works all afternoon stirring, chopping, and sauteing the freshest ingredients into a fabulous dinner and then sings to everyone to come to the table. She greets everyone with a hug and pat on the shoulder and when she is thanked for her hard work, Rosita always answers, "Con mucho gusto" (With much pleasure). Although Rosita spoke only Spanish, unlike many of the people she served, her cooking, laughter, singing, dancing and smiling broke through the language barrier to form a connected relationship with all of us. So it is con mucho gusto that I share one of my favorite recipes!
Empanadas de Rosita
(slightly modified)
Saute half an onion, garlic and cumin in oil. Add 2 T cilantro (preferable fresh), 2 T lime juice, 2T vinegar.
Add a can of black beans and smush with a fork while cooking on low until a paste is formed.
Mix together 1 cup of masa (corn flour) and 1/8 t salt. Slowly add water until a dough is formed.
Cut a ziploc bag into a circle. Form a 2 inch ball from dough. Press into center of plastic circle and pat until flattened into a 1/2 inch thick circle.
Cover center of circle with shredded cheese. Add a spoonful of bean mixture to center. Fold circle in half and press on the edge through plastic to seal edges. Fry in oil until browned and crispy.
yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! dude, I need more empanadas in my life. this is obviously what's been missing.
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