By
Diego Cortés
The microwave cheese empanada, also known as an express roll, is a single-serve oat bran bread with melted cheese made in a mug in three minutes. It is the hurry-up version of the Chilean cheese empanada: the cheese filling stays, but the fried dough is replaced by an egg-and-oat mixture that sets in the microwave. No oven, no yeast, no kneading.
It works for a mid-afternoon craving, a rushed breakfast or a light dinner for one: one portion, one mug and four ingredients that are almost always in the cupboard. Because there is no wheat flour it stays moister than a traditional loaf, so eat it fresh out of the microwave.
If what you want is to reheat a fried empanada without drying it out, that is a different method: we cover it in how to reheat food in the microwave. For something sweet there is the 5-minute microwave mug cake, and if you prefer wheat dough, try the meat empanada with mozzarella or the whole-grain oat rolls.
Prep
8 min
Cook
3 min
Servings
1
Calories
300 kcal
Grease a microwave-safe mug or bowl 10 to 12 cm across with the olive oil. A very deep one leaves the centre raw and the edges dry.
Beat the egg with a fork until yolk and white are combined; you don't need to whip it foamy.
Add the milk, oat bran, baking powder, salt and pepper and mix until there are no lumps: it should look like a thick porridge.
Let the mixture rest for 3 minutes so the bran absorbs the liquid; cook it straight away and the roll comes out dry.
Spread half the mixture over the bottom of the mug, put the folded cheese slice in the centre without touching the sides and cover with the rest of the mixture.
Scatter the grated cheese and oregano on top.
Cook on full power (800-1000 W) for 2 minutes 30 seconds, uncovered.
Take the mug out carefully, turn it upside down over a plate and cook for another 30 seconds: this dries and loosens the base.
Rest for 1 minute outside the microwave before unmoulding: the residual heat finishes the centre and stops it turning rubbery.
Unmould, cut in half and serve hot, with the tomato slice or basil if you like.
If your microwave is 700 W, cook for 3 minutes first and 45 seconds upside down; check the centre before unmoulding.
This recipe has a easy difficulty level, which means it's accessible for cooks of all levels.
The preparation time is 8 minutes and the cooking time is 3 minutes.
This recipe is designed for 1 servings.
Yes, many ingredients can be substituted with similar alternatives. We recommend checking the recipe variations.
Store the preparation in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Some preparations can be frozen for up to 3 months.
