After searching high and low for a scary dumpling, we finally gave up and settled for a Halloweenish one. And, yes, we know we did empanadas last week, but this week we’ve got some with pumpkin inside. Pilsen culinary landmark Nuevo Leon bakes up these gourd-stuffed goodies this time of year and serves them free (one per customer–50 cents for extras) through January in what has become a 35-year-old tradition at the restaurant. Daniel Gutierrez says his grandmother (Nuevo Leon founder Dona Maria Gutierrez) uses cinnamon, cloves, brown sugar and sometimes even a little acorn squash to spice up these turnoverish snacks called empanadas de calabasa. They may not be spooky, but don’t be surprised if they inspire you to exclaim, “Eeek, these are good.”
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Empanadas de calabasa
50 cents
Restaurant Nuevo Leon
1515 W. 18th St.
312-421-1517
Thanks, Grandma in Spanish: Gracias, Abuela