What are Empanadas?
An empanada is a savory or sweet pastry filled with various ingredients, typically folded or sealed into a half-moon or circular shape. The dough can vary and might be made from wheat or corn flour, and the fillings can include a wide range of ingredients such as meats, vegetables, cheese, fruits, or sweets.
DID YOU KNOW Empanadas were originally created as a portable and convenient meal for Spanish and Portuguese traders and travelers. The fact that the pastry was sealed made it easy to carry and eat on the go.
Spice up Your Night with this Easy & Yummy Ground Beef Empanadas Recipe
This recipe is a hit with lots of our friends & family members! So yummy and easy to freeze the filling to use it for later. You must try this Argentine-style empanada recipe.
Download a Print Version of this Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
3 Tbsp Olive oil
2 lbs Ground Beef
2 Medium Onions, chopped
2 Red Bell Peppers, chopped
Salt & Pepper
1 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
Boiled Eggs, sliced
3-4 Tbsp Cumin
2 Tbsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Oregano
Sliced Olives
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cook Beef, breaking it apart with a spoon until just cooked (about 8 minutes), then remove beef and set aside.
Keep remaining fat in pan and cook veggies and olive oil until tender.
Add all the seasonings and continue cooking a couple minutes until very fragrant.
Add the chicken stock and the cooked beef and bring to a simmer. Continue to stir and mix thoroughly until the liquid is mostly evaporated (about 25-30 minutes).
If your meat is still too juicy, you can continue cooking it longer or strain out the extra sauce.
Put in a bowl, cover and set in fridge for 2-3 hours to chill (this is so it doesn't melt the wraps).
Cook 2-3 Hard Boiled Eggs and set aside to cool.
When the filling is set, take out the empanadas from the freezer. (defrost them about 15 minutes before using)
Take a Goya Brand (or whatever kind you like) empanada wrap and rub a little water around the edge, then put a spoon full of the filling, 1 slice of egg and half an olive in an empanada and finch and fold the sides shut.
Continue filling empanadas (with meat, egg slice and olive slice or meat and cheese) until all the wraps are ready to fry or bake.
Fry a couple at a time on medium heat about 5 minutes until golden brown or Bake them at 375 for about 25 minutes.
Need a frying ladle? You can find one here https://amzn.to/3vQQjg7
Where do Empanadas come from?
Empanadas, savory or sweet filled pastries, have roots in several cultures around the world, and their origins can be traced back to various regions. The concept of stuffed dough has been present in many cuisines for centuries.
Latin America: Empanadas are widely associated with Latin American cuisine. They were brought to the region by Spanish colonizers and have since evolved with unique regional variations. Empanadas are popular in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia.
Spain: The term "empanada" itself comes from the Spanish verb "empanar," which means to wrap or coat in bread. Spain has its own rich tradition of empanadas, and the dish likely traveled with Spanish explorers and settlers to the Americas.
Portugal: Portuguese cuisine also has a version of empanadas known as "empadas." These are typically small, pocket-sized pastries filled with a variety of ingredients.
Middle East: The idea of stuffed pastries is not limited to the Western hemisphere. In the Middle East, countries like Lebanon and Turkey have their own variations of stuffed dough, such as "sambousek" or "börek," which share similarities with empanadas.
How to Keep Empanadas Fresh
To keep empanadas fresh and tasty for an extended period, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: If you plan to consume empanadas within a few days, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing empanadas. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method allows you to take out as many empanadas as needed without thawing the entire batch.
Can I Freeze Empanadas?
Yes, empanadas can be frozen for future use. Ensure they are well-sealed in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic before freezing.
How do I Reheat Frozen Empanadas?
Reheat frozen empanadas in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven, place the empanadas on a baking sheet, and bake until they are heated through and crispy.
What fillings can I use for Empanadas?
Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats (beef, chicken, pork), cheese, vegetables, and even sweet fillings like fruits or chocolate.
Can I make Empanada dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare empanada dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day or freeze it for longer storage. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before using.
How do I seal Empanadas properly?
To seal empanadas, press the edges of the dough together firmly, then use a fork to crimp the edges. This helps prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Can I bake instead of frying Empanadas?
Yes, empanadas can be baked instead of fried for a healthier option. Brush them with egg wash before baking to achieve a golden and crispy crust.
What dipping sauces pair well with Empanadas?
Common dipping sauces for empanadas include chimichurri, salsa, hot sauce, or a simple garlic aioli. Choose a sauce that complements the filling flavors.
How do I store leftover Empanadas?
Store leftover empanadas in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I make sweet Empanadas?
Absolutely! Sweet empanadas can be filled with fruits, chocolate, caramel, or other sweet fillings. Adjust the sugar content in the dough to suit your preference.
What is the best way to fold Empanadas?
The traditional method involves folding the empanada dough in half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. You can also use different folding techniques, such as braiding or twisting, for a unique look.
留言