The Temporary Vegetarian: A Portuguese Empada

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. 2

   ln a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering.

3. 3

   Add onions and garlic, and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Add zucchini, squash, and eggplant, and saute until tender but have not lost their shape, about 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Add tomatoes, thyme and parsley, and cook until tomatoes soften but do not lose their shape, about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Add red wine vinegar.

7. 7

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. 8

   In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon flour with 3 tablespoons water.

9. 9

   Mix well, and add to the vegetables.

10. 10

    Cook for 3 minutes, stirring.

11. 11

    Transfer to a baking sheet to cool until no longer steaming, then place in refrigerator to chill, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

12. 12

    Place one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface.

13. 13

    Using a 3 1/2- to 4-inch-in-diameter cookie cutter or cup, cut out six disks.

14. 14

    Using a 1-1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut out six more disks.

15. 15

    Roll all the disks out to 1/8 inch thick.

16. 16

    Butter or spray a six-cup muffin pan with 3-inch diameter cups.

17. 17

    Place a large disk in each of the holders; the dough should overlap the holder by about an inch.

18. 18

    Add one sixth of the chilled vegetables to each cup.

19. 19

    Place the small circle of pastry on top of the vegetables, and fold over the edges of the larger circle to fully enclose the empada.

20. 20

    (It may be possible to pinch together the edge of the large disk of dough without using the smaller disk.)

21. 21

    Brush the tops with beaten egg.

22. 22

    Bake empadas until golden brown, 25 to 40 minutes.

23. 23

    Using a knife, gently loosen from the muffin tins.

24. 24

    Transfer to plates, and serve hot.

25. 25

    If desired, serve with a salad.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.