Ingredients

1-3/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1 medium banana, firm but ripe (not mushy)
1/4 pound jack cheese, cut into small thin slices
2 tablespoons melted butter
mild or medium green salsa

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Make a well in the center. Pour in the water and stir until mostly combined. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth (about 5 minutes). Divide the dough into 8 equal parts and knead each one into a small ball. Set the balls aside.

Peel the banana and cut it crosswise into quarters. Cut each quarter in half lengthwise so that you have 8 pieces. Roll out each ball of dough into a circle approximately 5 inches in diameter. Place a couple of small cheese slices near the center. Cut one of the banana pieces into smaller strips and place on top of the cheese. Lightly brush the edges of the dough with water, and fold the dough over the filling. Crimp the edges securely with a fork making sure that all of the filling is tightly encased in the dough (If cheese creeps out during baking, it will burn.) Repeat until you have 8 completed empanadas.

Brush a baking sheet with some of the melted butter and arrange the empanadas on the sheet. Brush the tops thoroughly with melted butter, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Serve hot with green salsa on the side.

Makes 2 to 4 servings

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recipe courtesy of elliemay.com