Clos de los Siete Thanksgiving Leftover Empanadas

Clos de los Siete is the perfect wine to enjoy during the holidays. The new world wine is a blend of classic Bordeaux varietals that pairs perfectly with the hearty, home-style flavors of festive meals, such as Thanksgiving dinner. This year, do something creative with your leftovers by preparing a delicious twist on an Argentine classic, the empanada. Liven up leftover turkey and sweet potatoes with a blend of wine, peppers, and herbs to create a delicious stuffing for these enjoyable Argentine treats. Bake until brown and a delicious new meal is ready for you to enjoy!

Filling Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound turkey breast
1 sweet potato, diced
1 cup Clos de los Siete wine
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 clove minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
1 pinch of crushed red pepper (to taste)
Empanada Ingredients:
1 package store-bought empanada discs or one package pastry dough
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup water

Preparation:
Place a pan over medium heat, add the tablespoon olive oil, cup of Clos de los Siete wine, garlic, onion, red and green pepper, and sweet potatoes. Let simmer on medium heat for ten minutes. Add turkey breast, salt black pepper, cumin, paprika and crushed red pepper. Continue to cook over medium heat until mixture is thickened, approximately ten minutes.

Once filling has thickened, remove from heat and set aside for 10 minutes to cool. During this time, flour a counter and lay out the empanada disks or roll out 4 inch squares of pastry dough. Carefully spoon 2 tbsp. of the filling into the center of each disk. Once each disk has been topped, seal the edges with water and fold in half, pressing down corners with the tines of a fork to close the dough. Then, fold the dough in on itself every half inch, from end to end to create the traditional Argentine seal.

Once all of the empanadas are folded, brush with egg wash and place on a prepared baking sheet. Bake in a 400°F oven until golden brown, around 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 15 minutes before serving, then enjoy!

Serve with a glass of Clos de los Siete. The well-balanced Argentine wine’s ripe berry aroma and intensely flavorful, rich blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet will stand up to and complement the hearty, wholesome flavors of the dish, making for an easy and delicious pairing.