On the Menu: Argentinean Food pt. dos (2) & tres (3)

Happy Mothers Day!

I have to say that being a Mother can be very difficult.  The worries and stress (and attitudes) can be hard to handle some days, and some days I handle it better than others, but I wouldn't trade my two little munchkins for the world!!  And I bet you feel the same way!!  So give your babies (no matter how old they are) an extra big hug today and enjoy the treats, flowers and cards you (hopefully) get - we deserve it!!  And while they feel all helpful and lovey, get them to make dinner tonite - here are a couple recipes :)

I found this one on About.com

Pork and Sweet Potato Guiso (stew)
For the recipe you will need

• 2 lbs pork cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 t cumin
• 2 T flour (I used garbanzo flour)
• 3 T vegetable oil
• 1 T butter
• 1 onion- thinly sliced
• 2 sweet potatoes - peeled and cubed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 packet Sazon Goya with cilantro and achiote (optional)
• 3/4 cups raisins
• salt and pepper

1.  In a heavy, deep skillet heat the butter and 1 T oil to cook the onions until soft and golden.
2.  While onions are cooking season the meat with the cumin, flour, and seasoning packet. Throw in some salt and pepper too.
3.  Remove the onions from the skillet, add the rest of the oil and fry the meat until it is browned on all sides. 
4.  Add 1 cup of the chicken broth and deglaze the pan (scrape up all the bits stuck to the pan).
5.  Add the onions back and add enough chicken broth so that the meat is just covered.  Simmer gently (covered) for one hour.
6.  Add the sweet potatoes and raisins and simmer about 30 minutes or just until everything is tender.  Season to taste with salt and pepper

 

This was pretty tasty.  Not a lot of spice going on - I might add some more cumin next time.  My husband liked it more than he expected to - in fact his direct quote was "this isn't bad at all" and my brother scoffed at the fact that it was served with quinoa but actually said it was really good with it.  The pork was super tender and actually the best part, but the sweet potatoes were good too.  I wish I had cooked them a little less than I did.   All in all, it was a pretty healthy meal that everyone enjoyed.  I did have leftovers though, so I decided to use them in another South American treat...

Empanadas
For the recipe you will need:

• empanada dough (homemade or store bought)
• leftover guiso from above or cheese or whatever strikes your fancy.
• chimichurri sauce  for dipping

1.  If you are making your own dough you are going to want to roll it out very thin and cut it into 4 inch circles.  I would really suggest buying the frozen dough from a Mexican produce store if you can.  Then all you have to do is let it thaw :)  Or frozen pie dough would probably work too.

2.  I was making these for a party and I didn't want them too big so I cut each circle in half.  Put about 1 tsp. of filling or a cube of cheese in the middle them fold it over and crimp the edges.  We used a fork to press the edges together- my daughter got pretty good!

3.  Put on a parchment lined baking sheet (probably not necessary but makes clean up so easy) and bake in 400° oven for about 10-15 minutes until golden.
4.  Because I made 2 different kinds and wanted people to be able to tell them apart, I sprayed a little cooking spray on top and for the cheese ones I sprinkled parmesan on the top and for the sweet potato ones I sprinkled some cumin and smoked paprika.  I think it made them look a little fancier too.
5.  Serve with some chimichurri sauce (I love that stuff)!!

These were GONE in about 15 minutes at the party.  I even sent my husband home to get a plateful that didn't fit on the original platter.  The dough was nice and fluffy and not too greasy.  Apparently there are different doughs for frying or baking, so remember that if you are buying the premade dough.  These made a great finger food, looked like they took all day but were, in fact, super easy to make!!  Enjoy!