SPICY BEAN TURNOVERS (WITH VARIATIONS)

Steps:

• Mash pinto beans (could use food processor).
• Add cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, chili flakes, coriander, onion, and salsa.
• Mix well--adjust seasonings to taste.
• On floured surface, roll pastry to 1/8 inch thickness.
• Sprinkle with 1/2 of the cheese; press lightly into dough.
• Turn pastry over. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and press lightly into dough.
• Cut into 3 inch circles (I used a wide-mouthed glass for lack of a cookie cutter).
• Place small amount bean mixture (large teaspoon's worth) into center of each circle.
• Fold over to form a semi-circle with the bean mixture inside. Press edges with a fork to seal the mixture inside.
• Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
• Bake at 350F for about 15 minutes or until brown.
• PIZZA FILLING VARIATION:.
• Mix together:.
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce.
• 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or chopped pepperoni.
• 1/3 cup onion & peppers (chopped and mixed together to make 1/3 cup).
• Shredded mozzarella cheese, if you like.
• CHICKEN PARMESAN VARIATION:.
• Mix together:.
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken, cooked and sliced or shredded.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded.
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated.
• HAM 'N' CHEESE FILLING VARIATION:.
• Mix together:.
• 1/2 cup deli ham, chopped.
• 1/3 cup processed cheese, melted.
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped.
• Allow filling to cool (so it is not liquid) before stuffing.
• OTHER VARIATIONS:.
• Stuff with chopped hot dogs and shredded cheese.
• Stuff with homemade chili (drain liquid before stuffing).
• Stuff with taco meat and shredded cheese.
• Stuff with chicken tikka masala or other Indian meats, and add some chutney.