For the meat filling:
1. With a spoon, mix the cinnamon, coriander, cloves, and salt into a cup of applesauce.
2. Add the shredded meat (cooled), chopped dates, and applesauce/spice mixture to the food processor bowl.
3. Pulse a few times to break up the mixture, then blend on high until it's well combined and consistency resembles minced meat (about 5 mins). It should be slightly wet but not soggy and hold together when squeezing a portion in your hand. If it’s too dry you can add a bit of broth from the roasts, but be careful not to add too much moisture.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to a large bowl and incorporate the piñon, folding it in with a spatula.
5. Set aside while you make the pastry dough.
For the pastry dough:
1. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix with hands until the shortening is fully integrated
3. Add warm water a bit at a time until desired consistency is reached.
4. Once dough is ready, break/cut into 12-16 uniform size round balls
5. Scramble one egg in a cup and set aside for egg wash
To make the empanaditas:
1. Using a rolling pin, roll ball into a circle
2. Place a spoonful of meat on half of the circle close to middle leaving space along the edge
3. Brush egg wash along the bottom edge of the half where the filling is and then fold the upper half of dough over the filling.
4. Cut the excess with a pastry sealer (or pizza cutter, then seal edges with a fork.)
5. Set on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat until all empanaditas are made or you can make a few at a time and fry, making more while you wait on them to cook. If you do this I recommend setting a timer to avoid overcooking.
For the deep frying:
1. Depending on the size of your fryer, place a few empanaditas in at a time.
2. Fry in hot oil (heated to 350 degrees) for about 4 minutes, turning over with tongs halfway through. Set a timer for 2 minutes so you don’t forget to turn it over.
3. They should look golden brown on both sides.
4. Remove from fryer with tongs or slotted spoon and place on another baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels to drain/cool.
5. Enjoy!
*While Medjool dates are high in natural sugars, they are low on the glycemic index thanks to a balanced amount of soluble fiber. The complex carbohydrates found in Medjool dates are digested at a slower rate, making them a source of dietary fiber and releasing energy to the body over a longer period of time.
