Empanadas are a delicious dish of Spanish origin, but they can also be found in Latin America and in some parts of the United States. In English, they are known as savory pies. They are typically made with a pastry dough and filled with savory ingredients like ground beef, chicken, pork, vegetables, cheese, and more. They can be fried or baked, and they are often served as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Empanadas are typically made with a pastry dough, which can be either homemade or store-bought. The dough is usually made with flour, salt, and butter or shortening. The filling is usually a combination of ground meat, vegetables, cheese, and spices. Other ingredients like olives, raisins, and eggs can also be used. The empanadas can be either fried or baked, depending on the recipe.
Types of Empanadas
Empanadas come in many different varieties, depending on the region and the ingredients used. Here are some of the most popular types of empanadas:
- Carne mechada: A type of empanada from Venezuela, filled with shredded beef, olives, and raisins.
- Empanadas gallegas: A type of empanada from Spain, filled with tuna, peppers, onions, and olives.
- Empanadas de choclo: A type of empanada from Peru, filled with sweet corn, cheese, and onions.
- Empanadas de queso: A type of empanada from Argentina, filled with cheese, eggs, and spices.
Serving Empanadas
Empanadas can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. They can be eaten hot or cold, and they are often served with a dipping sauce such as chimichurri, salsa, or aioli. Empanadas can also be served as part of a larger meal, such as a tapas spread.
Making Empanadas
Making empanadas is relatively easy, and they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use. To make empanadas, start by making the pastry dough. Then, prepare the filling and roll out the dough into circles. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle and fold the dough over, sealing the edges with a fork. Finally, bake or fry the empanadas until golden brown.