The empanada is a popular snack in Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the Philippines. It is a stuffed pastry, usually with a savory filling, that is baked or fried. It is believed that the empanada has its origins in medieval Iberia, when people would make small pastries filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Over the centuries, the empanada has evolved and changed to become a favorite dish in many countries.
The name empanada is believed to come from the Spanish verb empanar, which means “to wrap in bread”. The idea behind the name is that the filling is wrapped in a dough that is then cooked. This is similar to the concept of “pie” in English, where a filling is surrounded by a pastry shell. The dough used to make the empanada can vary from country to country, but it usually consists of flour, water, oil, and sometimes eggs.
The fillings of the empanada can also vary greatly. In Latin America, they are often filled with beef, chicken, pork, cheese, and vegetables. In Spain, they are often filled with seafood, such as tuna, shrimp, and mussels. In Portugal, they are often filled with pork and vegetables. In the Philippines, they are often filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables. No matter what the filling is, the empanada is always a delicious snack.
The empanada has become a favorite snack in many countries, and it is easy to see why. Not only is it delicious, but it is also easy to make. All you need is some dough, a filling, and an oven. It is also a great way to use up leftovers, as you can fill the empanada with whatever you have on hand. Whether you are making them for a party or just for a snack, empanadas are sure to be a hit.
Types of Empanadas
There are many different types of empanadas, each with their own unique flavor. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
- Empanada Gallega: This is a traditional empanada from Galicia, Spain. It is filled with pork, chorizo, and vegetables. It is usually served with a sauce made from olive oil and garlic.
- Empanada de Carne: This is a popular empanada in Latin America. It is filled with beef, pork, chicken, or vegetables. It is often served with a spicy sauce.
- Empanada de Queso: This is a popular empanada in Argentina and Uruguay. It is filled with cheese, usually a soft cheese like queso blanco or queso fresco. It is usually served with a tomato sauce.
- Empanada de Camarón: This is a popular empanada in the Philippines. It is filled with shrimp and vegetables. It is usually served with a sweet and sour sauce.
How to Make Empanadas
Making empanadas is easy and fun! Here is a basic recipe for making empanadas:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef or pork
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 cup of beef or chicken broth
- 1 package of empanada dough
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef or pork and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the empanada dough and cut into circles.
- Fill each circle with the beef or pork filling and fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges of the dough together to seal the empanada.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce.
Whether you are making them for a party or just for a snack, empanadas are sure to be a hit. With so many different varieties, you are sure to find one that you love. So why not try making your own empanadas today?