Empanadas De Calabasa Sefardicas Sephardic Pumpkin Turnovers

Take a culinary journey into tradition with these delightful *Empanadas de Calabasa Sefardicas*—Sephardic Pumpkin Turnovers that blend sweet, spiced pumpkin filling with a tender, golden crust. This recipe is inspired by the rich heritage of Sephardic Jewish cuisine, featuring a fragrant filling made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, optionally enhanced with plump raisins for extra texture. Encased in a simple olive oil dough, these empanadas are crimped to perfection and brushed with an egg wash for irresistible crispness. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or holiday treat, these turnovers are baked to golden perfection in just 25 minutes. Whether served warm or at room temperature, they’re a seasonal showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 300 g All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Salt
• 50 g Sugar
• 100 ml Olive oil
• 90 ml Water
• 400 g Pumpkin purée (cooked and mashed pumpkin or canned pumpkin)
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 tsp Ground cloves
• 60 g Brown sugar
• 50 g Raisins (optional)
• 1 piece Egg yolk (for glazing)
• 1 tbsp Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well.

Step 2

Add olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3

Gradually add the water, mixing until a soft and pliable dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap in plastic wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and raisins (if using). Mix thoroughly and set aside.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6

Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball into a thin circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Step 7

Place a heaping tablespoon of the pumpkin filling onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

Step 8

Crimp the edges with a fork to seal the empanadas tightly. This will also give them a decorative edge.

Step 9

In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for a golden finish.

Step 10

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1082.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2754.0

Total Fat 103.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.0g
Cholesterol 184mg	0%
Sodium 67.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 420.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.8g	0%
Total Sugars 154.9g
Protein 41.3g	0%

Vitamin D 18IU	0%
Calcium 290.0mg	0%
Iron 21.2mg	0%
Potassium 2465.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.6%

Protein: 5.9%

Carbs: 60.5%