How to Make Empanadas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Empanadas are a staple in Latin American cuisine and are loved all around the world. These delicious turnovers can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients, including beef, chicken, vegetables, and cheese. Empanadas are perfect for a quick snack or a full meal, and they can be served hot or cold.

If you’ve never tried making empanadas before, you might think they’re difficult to make. But the truth is, empanadas are surprisingly easy to prepare, and they don’t require any fancy or complicated cooking techniques. Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make delicious empanadas at home. So put on your apron and let’s get started!

Section: How to Make an Empanada

Making an empanada is a gastronomic challenge that requires skill and patience, but the end result is a delicious and satisfying treat. Empanadas are a fusion of different cultures, with variations that are unique to each region. Whether it be savory or sweet, empanadas are a go-to snack for people of all ages, and they can be a great addition to your meal.

So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make snack, here’s how to make an empanada that will satisfy your cravings.

1. Gather Your Ingredients

The first step in making empanadas is getting all the necessary ingredients. Empanadas are made up of different components, including the dough, filling, and sauce. Assemble the following ingredients:

For the Dough:
– 3 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp of salt
– 1 tsp of baking powder
– 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
– 1/2 cup of chicken broth
– 1 egg

For the Filling:
– 1 lb of ground beef or chicken
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp of olive oil
– 2 tbsp of tomato paste
– 1 tsp of cumin
– 1 tsp of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:
– 1 cup of salsa
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tbsp of lime juice

2. Preparing the Dough

Mix all the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder) in a mixing bowl. Then add vegetable shortening and mix it all together using your hands until it forms small-sized crumbles. Add chicken broth and egg and mix it together until it becomes a dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it is smooth and not sticky. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the Filling

In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until it turns golden brown. Add ground beef or chicken and cook it until it turns brown. Add tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper and stir it all together. Let the filling cool down before using it.

4. Assembly

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Roll out the dough and cut the dough into circles, with a diameter of around 5 to 6 inches. Fill the center of the dough circle with the prepared filling. Fold the dough circle in half and crimp the edges to seal it. Repeat this until you finish all the dough and filling.

5. Baking

On a bakeware, place the empanadas and brush it with a beaten egg. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.

6. Preparing the Sauce

Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by mixing salsa, chopped cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix it well and put it aside.

7. Serving

Once the empanadas are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the empanadas with the prepared sauce and enjoy!

8. Variations

There are countless variations of empanadas that you can try. From sweet empanadas to savory ones filled with different meats, vegetables, and cheeses, the possibilities are endless. You can even experiment with different sauces and dips to make your empanadas taste even better.

9. Storage

If you have any leftover empanadas, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them, and they will last for several months. When you are ready to eat them, reheat them in the oven until they are heated through.

10. Conclusion

Empanadas are a great snack to make for yourself or to serve to your friends and family. Whether you prefer them savory or sweet, there are countless empanada recipes to choose from. Once you master the art of making the dough and filling, you can customize them to your taste and get creative with the fillings. So, go ahead and make some empanadas, and enjoy these delicious treats!

Choosing the Right Filling for Your Empanada

Now that you’ve mastered making the perfect empanada dough, it’s time to move on to the next step – choosing the filling. This is the fun part where you can get creative with different ingredients and flavors. Here are ten types of fillings you can consider when making empanadas:

1. Beef

Beef is one of the most common empanada fillings, and for a good reason. The rich, savory flavor of beef pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet and salty dough. Plus, it’s easy to make. Simply cook ground beef with onion, garlic, and a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder.

2. Chicken

Chicken empanadas are another popular choice. They’re lighter than beef empanadas and can be seasoned with different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile. You can use shredded chicken, diced chicken breast, or ground chicken, depending on your preferences.

3. Pork

Pork is another tasty filling for empanadas. You can use pulled pork, ground pork, or diced pork loin, and season it with a combination of herbs and spices such as cinnamon, oregano, and coriander. Adding bacon or chorizo to the filling will also give it a delicious kick.

4. Cheese

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, cheese empanadas are a great choice. You can use any type of cheese, from mozzarella to cheddar to feta. Add some chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro for extra flavor, and serve it with a side of salsa or hot sauce.

5. Vegetable

Vegetable empanadas are healthy and satisfying. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, from bell peppers to mushrooms to zucchini. Adding beans or lentils to the filling will also add some protein and make it more filling.

6. Seafood

Seafood empanadas are a great way to incorporate some healthy omega-3s into your diet. You can use shrimp, crab, or fish, and season it with some citrus juice, cilantro, and chili for a zesty kick.

7. Fruit

Sweet empanadas can be a delicious dessert option or a sweet snack. You can use any fruit you like, from apples to peaches to bananas. Adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling will give it a warm and cozy flavor.

8. Nutella

Nutella empanadas are a fun twist on the traditional empanada. Simply spread some Nutella on the empanada dough, fold it over, and bake it. You can also add some chopped nuts or coconut for a crunchy texture.

9. Pizza

Pizza empanadas are a great way to combine two of your favorite foods. You can use pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and bell peppers, and add some tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

10. Breakfast

Breakfast empanadas can be a delicious way to start your day. You can use scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and some diced potatoes for a filling breakfast option. Add some cheese or herbs for extra flavor.

In conclusion, choosing the right filling for your empanada is important for creating a delicious and satisfying snack. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and flavors to find your perfect filling. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Ingredients Needed

Making empanadas is a delightful experience, especially for all the foodies out there. To make these delicious delights, you will need a variety of ingredients. Here are some of the essential ingredients we recommend you have:

Preparing the Dough

The dough is an essential part of making empanadas. Here is how to prepare the dough:

1. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add cold butter and start working the mixture by hand until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add cold water a little at a time and mix the dough until it comes together. Knead the dough for about 2 minutes then wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out circles about 6-7 inches in diameter.

Preparing the Filling

The filling is the heart of the empanada. Below are the steps to make the filling:

1. In a skillet, cook ground beef or chicken with chopped onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until meat is browned.
2. Add chopped hard boiled eggs and chopped olives, mix well, and remove from heat.

Assembling the Empanadas

Assembling the empanadas is relatively easy. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the dough circles.
2. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
3. Whisk egg and milk together and brush over the top of each empanada before baking.

Baking the Empanadas

After preparing the empanadas, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Here are the steps to bake your empanadas and enjoy them:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, allowing a little space between them.
3. Bake the empanadas for 20 – 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

In conclusion, empanadas are a delightful treat that you can enjoy anytime, anywhere. By following the above steps, you can make them quickly and easily at home to enjoy with your loved ones! So, go ahead and make your empanadas today!

One last bite before we go

Thanks for joining me on this empanada-making journey. I hope this recipe has inspired you to bring some Latin flavor to your kitchen. Remember, don’t be afraid to add your own twist – empanadas are all about creativity and personalization. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering or just a tasty treat for yourself, enjoy every bite! Don’t forget to come back for more delicious recipes to spice up your cooking routine. Until next time, happy cooking!