Empanadas are delicious, hand-held pastries filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings. With their crispy, flaky crust and mouthwatering fillings, empanadas have become popular worldwide. Their origins trace back to Spain, and they are now an iconic dish in many Latin American countries, with each region adding its unique twist.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to make empanadas from scratch. We will go through all the steps, from preparing the dough to assembling and cooking the empanadas. Whether you’re making savory beef empanadas, delicious chicken empanadas, or experimenting with sweet fillings, this article will provide all the details you need. By the end, you’ll master the art of homemade empanadas.
Empanadas are comparable to other hand-held delights like wonton tacos but have a unique dough and flavor that make them distinct in Latin cuisine.
Ingredients Needed for Empanada Dough and Filling
Before diving into the preparation, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients needed for both the dough and the fillings. Having everything ready will make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Empanada Dough Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Butter (cold and cubed): ½ cup
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Egg yolk: 1
- Cold water: ¼ cup
Popular Filling Ingredients
- Beef Filling:
- Ground beef: 1 lb
- Onion (chopped): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Olives (optional, chopped): ¼ cup
- Hard-boiled eggs: 2, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for sautéing
- Chicken Filling:
- Shredded chicken: 2 cups
- Onion (chopped): 1 medium
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Cumin: 1 tsp
- Chili powder (optional): 1 tsp
- Cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Sweet Fillings:
- Dulce de leche, pumpkin puree, or apple slices for sweet empanadas.
These ingredients are easy to find and allow for flexibility based on personal preferences or dietary needs. For more inspiration, you can also try fillings like those used in the delicious honey pepper chicken.
How to Make Empanada Dough
The dough is the backbone of any good empanada. It should be light, flaky, and have just the right amount of structure to hold the filling without falling apart. Let’s dive into the detailed process of making empanada dough from scratch.
1. Mixing the Dough
Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. The butter should remain in small bits within the dough, ensuring a flaky texture once baked.
- Tip: The key to a perfectly flaky crust is to use cold butter. Much like making a flaky pie crust or even the base for crack chicken noodle soup, the fat content plays a crucial role in texture.
2. Adding Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cold water. Gradually add the wet mixture to the flour and butter mixture, using a fork or your hands to combine until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can lead to a tough texture rather than a light, flaky pastry.
- Pro Tip: If the dough seems too dry, you can add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
3. Chilling the Dough
Once the dough is formed, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to solidify again, which results in a flakier crust during baking.
- Why it Matters: Similar to making puff pastry or even banana chocolate chip pancakes, allowing the dough to rest ensures the final product will have a tender crumb.
Preparing Empanada Fillings
Now that the dough is chilling, let’s focus on preparing the delicious fillings. Whether you prefer savory or sweet empanadas, this section will cover various filling options that will appeal to everyone.
1. Beef Empanada Filling
Beef empanadas are a classic, often associated with Argentinian cuisine. They are filled with a savory mixture of spiced ground beef, onions, and sometimes olives or hard-boiled eggs for added texture.
To make the filling:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned. Break it up into smaller pieces using a spatula.
- Stir in paprika, chopped olives (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and mix in the chopped hard-boiled eggs. Allow the filling to cool slightly before assembling the empanadas.
- Pro Tip: For added sweetness, you can incorporate raisins into the beef mixture, a common practice in Filipino empanadas that balances the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness.
2. Chicken Empanada Filling
Shredded chicken offers a leaner but equally flavorful option. The filling can be spiced up with chili powder or made more mild with basic seasoning.
- In a skillet, sauté onions until soft.
- Add the shredded chicken, tomato paste, cumin, and chili powder (if using) to the pan. Stir and cook until everything is well-combined and heated through.
- Remove from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro. Set aside to cool before filling the dough.
- Alternate Ideas: You can incorporate vegetables like sweet corn or peas, making the filling similar to what you might find in Mexican street corn potato salad.
3. Sweet Fillings
Dessert empanadas are often filled with sweet ingredients such as dulce de leche, pumpkin puree, or apple slices. The process of assembling sweet empanadas is the same as savory, except you might add a sprinkle of cinnamon or sugar on top before baking.
Sweet empanadas are the perfect treat to pair with a cup of coffee or enjoy as a comforting dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a side of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of chocolate sauce, similar to how you’d enjoy fried smores bombs.
Assembling and Cooking Empanadas
The dough is chilled, and the fillings are ready—now it’s time to assemble and cook the empanadas! This step is crucial to ensuring your empanadas are well-sealed and perfectly cooked, whether you choose to bake or fry them.
1. Rolling Out the Dough
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about ⅛ inch thickness. Then, cut out circles using a round cutter or even the rim of a glass, depending on the size you want your empanadas to be.
- Tip: Smaller empanadas are perfect for snacks or appetizers, while larger ones can serve as a main course.
2. Filling and Sealing
Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the empanadas to burst open during cooking. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal.
- Crimping Tip: Use a fork to crimp the edges or go for the traditional repulgue technique, where you fold the edges in a decorative braid pattern. Both methods will work, but the repulgue gives a more authentic look.
3. Baking vs. Frying
You can choose to bake or fry the empanadas depending on your preference:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each empanada with an egg wash (a beaten egg with a splash of water) to give them a golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a heavy pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, turning them once, until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Baking Tip: If your fillings contain moisture, like in spinach, chicken, and mushroom, baking is often the better option to prevent sogginess.
Serving Empanadas and Pairing Suggestions
Empanadas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. They can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or even as part of a tapas-style meal. Here are some ways to elevate your empanada experience:
- Chimichurri Sauce: A classic Argentinian sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. This vibrant sauce pairs beautifully with savory beef empanadas.
- Salsa: A spicy tomato salsa or a creamy avocado salsa works well with chicken or vegetarian empanadas.
- Sweet Options: Dust sweet empanadas with powdered sugar, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or enjoy them alongside ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Empanadas are perfect for meal prepping or making in large batches, as they freeze and reheat well.
Storing Uncooked Empanadas
If you’re not ready to cook all your empanadas, you can freeze them unbaked. Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Cooking Frozen Empanadas: To cook frozen empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until fully heated through. No need to thaw them first!
Reheating Cooked Empanadas
For cooked empanadas, the best method of reheating is baking them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This helps maintain the flaky crust and ensures the filling is warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can cause the crust to become soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between baked and fried empanadas?
Baked empanadas are lighter and have a more uniform golden-brown crust. Fried empanadas are crispier and richer in flavor due to the oil. Both methods are delicious, but baked empanadas are often preferred for a healthier option.
Can I use pre-made dough for empanadas?
Yes! You can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry as a shortcut. However, homemade dough tends to have a flakier, more authentic texture.
What other fillings can I use?
You can experiment with countless fillings, from seafood to vegetarian options. Sweet fillings like chocolate and dulce de leche are also popular. Empanadas are highly versatile, much like other snacks you might find in recipes such as banana syrup desserts.
Conclusion
Empanadas are a fantastic dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something savory like beef or chicken, or something sweet for dessert, empanadas are highly customizable. With a bit of practice, you can master the art of making these hand-held treats from scratch. Experiment with different fillings, try baking or frying them, and enjoy the process of creating delicious empanadas in your own kitchen.
Looking for more inspiration? You might enjoy adding sweet options like creme brulee donuts or savory fusion recipes like honey butter skillet corn to your culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!