Empanadas are a beloved dish across many cultures, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures in a convenient, handheld package. Whether you’re savoring the flaky pastry of an Argentine empanada or the spicy kick of a Colombian version, these classic empanada recipes will transport you to kitchens around the globe. Join JL Surjan, a food, beverage, and travel expert, on a culinary journey through some of the most cherished empanada traditions.
Traditional Argentine Empanadas
Argentine empanadas are known for their tender, flaky crust and savory fillings. Typically enjoyed during gatherings, these empanadas are a staple in Argentine cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender. Stir in the chopped eggs, olives, cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over and crimp the edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Colombian Empanadas Recipe
Colombian empanadas are famous for their corn-based dough and savory meat fillings, often featuring a touch of spice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, water, and salt until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a pot, cook the potatoes until tender, then mash. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef or chicken, tomato, cumin, and paprika. Cook until meat is done. Mix in the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Take small portions of dough and form balls. Flatten each ball into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, fold the dough over, and press the edges to seal.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Filipino Empanadas Recipe
Filipino empanadas often feature a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, wrapped in a slightly sweet dough.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1/2 pound ground pork or chicken
- 1 small potato, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground pork or chicken and cook until browned. Add potato, carrot, raisins, and soy sauce. Cook until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles. Place filling in the center, fold over, and crimp the edges to seal.
- Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry empanadas until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Chilean Empanadas Recipe
Chilean empanadas are known for their baked pastry and hearty fillings, often including a combination of meat, eggs, and olives.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add melted butter and milk, stirring until dough forms. Knead until smooth, then cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, paprika, and cumin. Cook until onion is tender. Stir in raisins, olives, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles. Place filling in the center, fold over, and crimp the edges. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Place empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
How to Make Empanada Dough
Creating the perfect empanada dough is key to making delicious empanadas, regardless of the filling.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Step-by-Step Process
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add ice water and vinegar, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
- Form Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Roll Out Dough: Roll the dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness, usually about 1/8 inch, and cut into circles or desired shapes.
Empanadas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, reflecting the unique culinary traditions of different cultures. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Argentine empanada, the spicy Colombian variety, the sweet-savory Filipino version, or the hearty Chilean empanada, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Try making these at home and experience a taste of these delightful pastries from around the world.
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