These Spicy Red Pepper Turkey Empanadas are the perfect balance of savory comfort food and bold flavor. Lean ground turkey creates a hearty, satisfying filling while roasted red peppers add natural sweetness and richness. Harissa Olive Oil brings gentle heat, smoky depth, and warm spice that transforms a traditional empanada into something far more memorable. Encased in a flaky golden crust, each bite delivers layers of texture—from the crisp pastry exterior to the tender, flavorful filling inside. The roasted peppers mellow the spice beautifully, creating a balanced flavor profile that's approachable enough for family dinners but interesting enough for entertaining. Whether served as an appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner, these empanadas disappear quickly and leave everyone reaching for another.

P A S T R Y   I N G R E D I E N T S:

• 1 1/2 cups organic pastry flour or King Arthur Measure for Measure Flour to make this gluten-free
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup Rocky Mountain Olive Oil Harissa Infused Olive Oil
• 3 to 4 tablespoons water

E M P A N A D A S    F I L L I N G    I N G R E D I E N T S:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons Rocky Mountain Olive Oil Harissa Infused Olive Oil
• 1 16oz jar roasted red peppers, drained and coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 /2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
• sea salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1 egg beaten 

I N S T R U C T I O N S :

1. To make the filling, heat 2 tablespoons Harissa Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat of your choice. Saute until well browned. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the roasted peppers, garlic, oregano and cook for another few minutes until most of the moisture in the mixture has evaporated. Add the cheese, mix well, taste and season with salt and pepper, and then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Preheat the oven to 375.
3. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix the Harissa Olive Oil and water together. Add to the dry ingredients and mix well until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Roll out to 1/8" thickness and then using a round glass or a large circular cutter (4"-5" diameter would be perfect), cut out rounds of dough. Fill each with 2 tablespoons of cooled filling, brush one half of the inner edge of the circle and then pinch firmly closed to form a half moon shaped empanada. Use the tines of a fork to make a decorative edge and help seal the empanadas.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet and brush with beaten egg. Bake for 15-20 minutes until each empanada is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm. Can be frozen and reheated with excellent results.
5. Makes approximately 1 dozen empanadas.