Are you craving the delicious, savory bites of empanadas but have been put off by the thought of complex recipes and long ingredient lists? Fear not! Empanadas are not only a versatile treat, but also incredibly approachable for home cooks. This post will walk you through five empanada recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends, all while keeping your kitchen time efficient and enjoyable.
Beef and Cheese Empanadas
If you're new to making empanadas, beef and cheese empanadas are a great starting point. They're straightforward, delicious, and perfect for beginners.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Empanada dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté the onion until translucent, add garlic, then beef, cooking until browned. Add tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer until the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Cut dough into circles. Place a spoonful of beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese in the center of each. Fold over, sealing the edges with a fork or by pinching and twisting.
- Cook: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush empanadas with egg wash for a golden finish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
🍴 Note: For an extra flavor boost, add a dash of chili powder or a sprinkle of green onions before sealing the empanadas.
Chicken and Veggie Empanadas
Looking for something a bit healthier? This chicken and veggie empanada recipe packs in vitamins and protein without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Empanada dough
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Filling: Sauté vegetables in olive oil until soft. Add shredded chicken, turmeric, and chicken broth. Cook until the liquid evaporates.
- Fill and Seal: Follow the same assembly steps as beef empanadas, but fill with chicken mixture.
- Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, or deep fry until golden.
Spicy Black Bean Empanadas
Vegetarian food can be just as exciting, especially with this spicy black bean empanada recipe that has a touch of heat.
Ingredients:
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Empanada dough
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Mash beans slightly, mix with onion, jalapeño, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- Assemble: Spoon the bean mixture onto dough circles, fold, and seal.
- Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or deep fry until crispy.
🌶 Note: Adjust the amount of jalapeño to suit your spice tolerance. For those who prefer milder flavors, you can substitute it with green chilies or bell pepper.
Sweet Corn and Cheese Empanadas
Switching gears from savory, these sweet corn and cheese empanadas can be an unexpected delight, perfect for a unique dessert or afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned or fresh sweet corn kernels
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Empanada dough
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix corn, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fill and Fold: Place a small scoop of the mixture in the center of each dough circle, fold over, and seal.
- Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until the empanadas are golden.
Seafood Empanadas
For a gourmet experience, these seafood empanadas filled with a mixture of shrimp and crabmeat will tantalize your taste buds with their oceanic flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb crabmeat
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Empanada dough
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Filling: Sauté onions and bell peppers in olive oil until tender. Add shrimp, cook until pink. Remove from heat, add crabmeat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and season to taste.
- Assemble: Fill, fold, and seal the empanadas.
- Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes or until golden.
🐟 Note: Ensure the seafood is fresh and from a sustainable source for the best flavor and ethics.
The appeal of empanadas lies in their versatility, from savory to sweet, from traditional to modern twists. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these recipes provide something for everyone to try. The key is in the execution—rolling, filling, and sealing the dough, then cooking to perfection. Not only do they make a delightful treat for your family and friends, but the process of making empanadas can also be a fun, engaging activity to do together.
What dough works best for empanadas?
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Empanada dough varies by region. While some prefer the flakiness of puff pastry, others opt for masa dough in Mexico or a yeast-based dough in South America. Store-bought dough can be convenient, but making your own from scratch offers the most control over texture and flavor.
Can I freeze empanadas before cooking?
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Yes, you can! Assemble empanadas, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to cook, you can bake them directly from frozen, extending the cooking time by a few minutes.
How can I make my empanadas healthier?
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Opt for baking rather than frying, use leaner meats or vegetable-based fillings, and reduce salt by using herbs and spices for flavor. Whole wheat or masa dough can also add nutritional benefits.
Are there vegan empanada options?
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Absolutely! Vegan empanadas can be made with a variety of fillings like beans, lentils, vegetables, and tofu or tempeh. Use a vegan dough, or opt for a masa dough made from corn flour which is naturally vegan.
What sides go well with empanadas?
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Empanadas pair well with chimichurri sauce, salsa, guacamole, or even a simple side salad. For a heartier meal, consider a bean or rice dish.
