Source: nephrocare.it

Presentation

A nutritious recipe, consisting of an appetizer of Argentine origin prepared with  corn flour, flour, margarine, extra virgin olive oil , salt, sugar, egg, milk and for the dough, and for the filling: extra virgin olive oil, beef, onion, hot pepper, salt, cumin, paprika, chilli, tomatoes, parsley and capers, as well as egg and lime

Ingredients

 Serves 12

Dough:

• 250 g (8.8 oz / about 2 cups) cornmeal
  • 250 g (8.8 oz / about 2 cups) wheat flour
  • 100 g (3.5 oz / about 7 tablespoons) margarine
  • 20 ml (0.7 fl oz / 1½ tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (about 5 g / 0.18 oz)
  • ½ tablespoon sugar (about 6 g / 0.2 oz)
  • 1 egg (50 g / 1.8 oz)
  • 20 ml (0.7 fl oz / 1½ tablespoons) milk
  • 150 ml (5 fl oz / ⅔ cup) water

Filling:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
  • 250 g (8.8 oz / about 1 cup) ground beef
  • 1 white onion (about 60 g / 2.1 oz)
  • ½ red bell pepper (about 80 g / 2.8 oz)
  • 1 small yellow hot chili pepper (about 15 g / 0.5 oz)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (about 3 g / 0.1 oz)
  • A pinch of ground cumin (less than ¼ teaspoon / <1 g)
  • A pinch of paprika (less than ¼ teaspoon / <1 g)
  • A pinch of chili powder (less than ¼ teaspoon / <1 g)
  • 5 cherry tomatoes (about 40 g / 1.4 oz each / 200 g total / 7 oz)
  • ½ bunch parsley (about 20 g / 0.7 oz / 2 tablespoons chopped)
  • 2 eggs (100 g / 3.5 oz total)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (about 20 g / 0.7 oz)

Additional:

• 1 egg (yolk and white separated, about 50 g / 1.8 oz)
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 30 ml / 1 fl oz / 2 tablespoons)

Method

For the dough, put the two types of flour in a large bowl and form a cavity in the center.

Add the margarine, olive oil, salt, sugar, egg and milk.

Gradually incorporate the ingredients into the flour, kneading the dough from the inside out.

Add a little warm water a little at a time, until you get an elastic dough that is not too wet.

To work it better, the dough should rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour (wrapped in plastic wrap).

For the filling, sauté the onions, bell pepper and hot pepper with the minced meat in a pan with olive oil.

Season to taste with salt, cumin, paprika and chili powder.

Add the chopped tomatoes and chopped parsley

Bring to a boil and reduce the mixture slightly.

Set aside and let it cool.

In the meantime, harden the 2 eggs and cut them into small pieces

Add them to the mixture together with the capers and mix well.

Divide the dough into 10-12 pieces of equal size

Spread circles on the work surface (the original empanadas are larger; those with a high appetite can eat two).

Spread 1-2 tablespoons over half of each circle and fold the dough over the other half forming a crescent.

Seal the edges with beaten egg white and close them with a fork

Gently transfer the empanadas to a baking sheet lined with baking paper and brush them with the remaining yolk

Bake them at about 200 °C in a preheated oven until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).

Serve the empanadas hot soaked in lime

Allergens

Capers: ability to counteract the symptoms of allergies

Onion: possible reactivity in case of nickel allergy due to the vegetable’s ability to concentrate it

Cumin: possible cross-reactivity in case of allergy to Artemisia and Composite

Corn flour: possible cross-reaction in case of sensitivity to grasses. Very high glycemic index

Flour: contains gluten from cereals included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Milk: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Margarine: possible allergy or intolerance problems based on the seeds of origin

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Paprika: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Chili pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Peppers: possible individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of allergy to grasses

Tomatoes: possible cross-reaction in case of sensitivity to grasses

Parsley: possible cross-reaction in case of allergy to spices, mugwort, composites

Egg: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Capers: source of antioxidants capable of supporting the immune system, of rutin that strengthens capillaries and inhibits the formation of platelet aggregates, promoting the functionality of the cardiovascular system.

Beef: rich in selenium that supports the immune system. To reduce the presence of potassium, boil the meat in plenty of water which is then eliminated.

Onion: it is rich in selenium which supports the immune system and with the ability to stabilize blood glucose at normal values; it provides quercetin, a flavonoid that helps contain cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, parameters related to cardiovascular risk, which also supports liver function by promoting the purification of the body. Also indicated for nephropathic patients, it is a good diuretic that prevents kidney stones. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Cumin: the beneficial effects attributed by Indian medicine to cumin in case of diarrhea and kidney stones are not recognized

Corn flour: provides zinc, an element favorable to the proper functioning of the immune system; also suitable for nephropathic patients

Flour: provides B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and folate), which are important for energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.

Whole milk: provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, promoting metabolism, cardiovascular function, tooth and bone health. The presence of tryptophan helps to counteract depression. Provides and promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E.K)

Margarines: especially the versions enriched with omega-3 and plant sterols help reduce total blood cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health.

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Paprika: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system

Chili pepper: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, reduces blood cholesterol indexes and hinders its formation on the arteries. It contains vitamins A, D and E and is very effective in activating the venous and capillary circulation. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Bell pepper: rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, antioxidant par excellence that fight free radicals and support the immune system, and mineral salts; also suitable for nephropathics, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Tomato: rich in vitamin C, the antioxidant par excellence that fights free radicals and supports the immune system, and provides mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Parsley: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants

Salt: essential for the balance of body fluids and for the transmission of nerve impulses, it is however to be consumed respecting the limit of 5 g per day according to the indications of the WHO so as not to promote arterial hypertension and consequent increase in the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases starting from myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke; to be limited as much as possible in the case of nephropathy.

Egg: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids. Rich in Vitamin D that fights mood disorders

Sugar: if consumed in moderation without contraindications (diabetes, obesity,) it is the main source of energy for the body, improves thinking ability, has a positive effect on mood

Safety / Intended use

Can also be administered in case of:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Constipation

Not to be administered to individuals suffering from:

• Diarrhea
• Mucositis – Lesions of the oral cavity
• Xerostomia (dry mouth)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)