Every year on April 8th, food enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike come together to celebrate National Empanada Day, a day dedicated to honoring one of the most beloved savory pastries enjoyed around the world. Empanadas, with their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings, have captured the hearts and taste buds of people across continents for centuries. From Latin America to the Philippines, Spain to India, empanadas hold a cherished place in diverse culinary traditions, making them a truly global delicacy worth celebrating.
The history of empanadas traces back centuries, with its roots often tied to Spanish cuisine. The word “empanada” itself is derived from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means to wrap or coat in bread. The concept of enclosing savory fillings in dough is believed to have originated in Spain, where it was introduced during the Moorish occupation. Over time, empanadas evolved and spread to various parts of the world through exploration, colonization, and cultural exchange.
While empanadas are often associated with Latin American cuisine, they have taken on countless regional variations and flavor profiles across the globe. In Latin America, each country boasts its own unique style of empanadas, from the beef-filled empanadas argentinas of Argentina to the spicy empanadas de pino of Chile. In the Caribbean, empanadas are often made with seafood or tropical fruits, reflecting the vibrant flavors of the islands.
In the Philippines, empanadas are a popular street food known for their sweet and savory filling of ground meat, potatoes, and sometimes, a touch of sweetness from raisins. In Spain, empanadas can vary by region, with fillings ranging from seafood to chorizo to vegetables, all encased in a thin, flaky pastry crust.
One of the joys of celebrating National Empanada Day is the opportunity to try your hand at making these delicious pastries at home. While the exact ingredients and techniques may vary depending on the regional recipe, the basic process typically involves preparing a dough, shaping it into rounds, filling it with a savory mixture, and then sealing and baking or frying until golden brown and crispy.
Whether you prefer traditional fillings like seasoned ground beef and onions, or more adventurous combinations like spinach and feta or shredded chicken with mole sauce, the possibilities are endless when it comes to empanada fillings. For those with a sweet tooth, dessert empanadas filled with fruits, chocolate, or caramel offer a delightful way to satisfy your cravings.
On National Empanada Day, restaurants, bakeries, and food enthusiasts around the world often host special events and promotions to celebrate this beloved pastry. Whether you choose to indulge in classic empanadas from your favorite local eatery or embark on a culinary adventure by trying new recipes at home, National Empanada Day is the perfect occasion to honor the rich history and delicious flavors of this global culinary treasure.
So, on April 8th, let’s come together to savor the taste of empanadas and celebrate the cultural diversity and culinary creativity they represent. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, empanadas are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Happy National Empanada Day!
Classic Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup cold water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or chicken
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Optional:
1/2 cup raisins or diced bell peppers for sweetness and color
Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water), for brushing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. If needed, add more water, one tablespoon at a time.
• Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling: • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent.
• Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
• Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, along with any optional ingredients like raisins or diced bell peppers. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped olives and hard-boiled eggs. Set aside to cool. - Assemble the Empanadas: • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
• Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
• Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
• Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for a golden finish. - Bake the Empanadas: • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. - Serve and Enjoy: • Empanadas can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as they are for a delicious snack or meal.
- Storage: • Empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Variation: • Feel free to customize the filling according to your preferences. You can use different meats, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique empanada recipe. Experiment with flavors and have fun exploring different combinations!
With this classic empanadas recipe, you can bring the flavors of this beloved pastry into your own kitchen and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these savory treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Buon appetito!
Gourmet Empanadas Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 cup cold water
1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces chorizo sausage, casing removed and diced
1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green)
1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Zest of 1 lime
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling: • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the diced chorizo sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
• Add the chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Season the filling with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. - Assemble the Empanadas: • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough, about 5-6 inches in diameter.
• Place a spoonful of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle.
• Sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and lime zest over the filling.
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
• Place the assembled empanadas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. - Bake the Empanadas: • In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash for a glossy finish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. - Serve and Enjoy: • Gourmet empanadas are best served warm, accompanied by a fresh salsa or chimichurri sauce for dipping.
• Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness. - Wine Pairing: • Pair these gourmet empanadas with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect flavor combination.
- Storage: • Any leftover empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven before serving for best results.
With this gourmet empanadas recipe, you can elevate your culinary experience and impress your guests with a sophisticated twist on this classic dish. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite!
Not Your Grams Kitchen 