How to make EmpanadasHow to make Empanadas? Well, first of all, what are they? Empanadas are stuffed breads baked or fried and served as snacks in many Latin American countries like Colombia. They’re made by folding dough around any kind of stuffing, whether it contains meats, vegetables or fruits. In the Spanish language, the name comes from the verb “empanar” which is exactly what’s described before, to wrap in bread. They can be served hot or cold and are very popular in South, Central and North America, as well as in Spain and Portugal where empanadas’ origins can be traced to. A similar dish known as Calzones, along with Empanadas derive from meat-filled pies called samosas, an Arabic dish popular in the medieval times of Europe. Recipe VariationsAll over the globe the question, how to make empanadas, has a different answer because recipes vary in ingredients, serving and preparation, making it a universal dish that’s easy to enjoy by anyone, even vegetarians. In Colombia they can either be baked or fried and be stuffed with a combination of rice, beef, chicken and cheese or just with boiled potatoes. In Medellin you can easily get an empanada stuffed with Chorizo thanks to the city’s love for pork meat and, in the Caribbean region you can get one stuffed with tropical fruits. Regardless of what’s in it, the empanada is mostly corn-based in Colombia and in Venezuela and is as popular as arepas.In Argentina they’re served at parties and in festivals as snacks or main courses with different fillings and flavors. Usually they’re made with wheat flour and butter and, usually the filling is chicken along with many dressings. They can either be baked or fried and may also contain fish, ham or spinach and, similar to Colombia’s Caribbean region they can hold a fruit filling and be served as dessert. In both El Salvador and Costa Rica you’ll find Empanadas made of plantain dough stuffed with sweet cream or fried beans. The sweet cream variation is often served as dessert while the fried beans one works well as a main course. Both variations are served warm and sprinkled with sugar. In Portugal they’re served hot and make a good small meal with chicken, beef, tuna and vegetable fillings while in Spain they’re made from a thin wheat pastry and are filled with tuna or chorizo. They can either be fried in olive oil or baked in an oven like everywhere else. Where can you find them?In Colombia you may get them as snacks in any restaurant but, you can also find street stands near parks or outside churches. In Medellin you can find many different specialized diners all over town. Some examples are “El Panchito”, “Las Calidosas” and “Las Unicas Orientales“.In countries like the United States you can visit any Colombian, Venezuelan, Chilean or Argentinean restaurant and may see this great snack on their menus but, you should also be able to find venues like “La reina de las Empanadas” in Doral, FL where they’re served as fast food and have the chance to choose any filling you want, as long as you’re comfortable with the ingredients that are offered.
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