TASTY TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021 – NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY
If you’ve never made Empanadas, you are in for a real treat, I think. National Empanada Day is coming up on April 8th! I love Empanadas, they are called many different things in different countries. Hand pies, Empanadas, Turnovers . . . the list goes on. Any way you call them, they are great foods to eat on the go, or as a meal/dessert, easy to make actually, and can be savory or sweet. Kids of ALL ages enjoy these! And the bonus is they can be inexpensive to make or use expensive ingredients and splurge!
These are a savory Empanada, made with beef and vegetables but I’ll give you suggestions on how to make them “yours” – use what your guests or family enjoy eating and whatever you might have on hand. They originated in Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines. In India they are called Samosas, other names are Pasties, Dumplings, and are either fried or baked. They are filling, and not expensive to prepare and serve. Just enjoy!
EMPANADAS
Pastry – either a purchased pie crust or make your own – quantity depends on how many you are making. I like to make enough for 2 per person depending on the size of the empanada.
To make pastry from scratch:
Ingredients
2 cups All-Purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2/3-3/4 cup Crisco shortening (CRISCO is MY preference. I’ve tried other brands but for the most tender crust, for me, I use Crisco. I sometimes use 2/3 Crisco and 1/3 of the amounts butter.)
Ice water (very cold) – enough to bring it all together. Maybe 3-5 Tablespoons
Instructions
- Combine the flour and salt. Blend in the shortening, either by hand, with a fork, or 2 dinner knives, or a pastry blender. It needs to get the shortening to smaller than pea sized.
- Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time blending by fork or hand until it comes together. Pastry should be very tender. SO, do NOT over work the dough/pastry. Once it comes together, not wet, not dry, place on lightly floured board and roll to about 1/8” thickness – ¼” – cut the size you want empanada to be remembering you’ll fill it and fold it in half.
To make filling:
Today we will make meat empanadas.
Ingredients
Use ½-1 pound ground meat, beef, pork, chicken, or a vegetarian product
Seasonings, your preference, I like to use salt/pepper, garlic at the minimum
Carrot, diced small
Potato, diced small
Onion, diced small
Instructions
- Cook the meat just until done. Add the vegetables and cook until tender. If the meat is not fatty, add a little olive oil or vegetable oil so they do not burn.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Let cool.
- When cool, put 1-2 heaping Tablespoons of filling in center of pastry. It all depends on the size of your empanadas. Dampen the edges with water (use your clean fingers).
- Bring top half of pastry over filled half, seal with your fingers, use a fork to seal more to eliminate leakage when frying or baking. Use a sharp knife to make slits in top for steam to escape and eliminate bursting while cooking.
- Bake at 350-375 degrees F until browned lightly.
- Serve – either plain or with a sauce of your choice. A spicy Asian sauce? Ranch dressing? Ketchup? Mustard?
CHEF’S NOTES:
If you have left over vegetables, use them, but diced or small – cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, corn, peas, beans, anything you like to eat.
Add herbs of your choice if you enjoy them and have on hand. Thyme, Asian spices/herbs, hot spicy, savory, cinnamon, it changes the flavors.
I prefer baking, healthier than frying, but they are equally delicious fried.
Sweet can be anything you’d use in a pie – fruits, puddings, nuts, fun to get creative.
These are great for lunches, some are good hot, warm, or even cold.
Great for sports events, snacks, meals, appetizers if made small.
Most important is to enjoy making and enjoy eating these. These are fun for kids to make as long as they aren’t too involved in the cooking process. Stay safe!
These do freeze well, before cooking or after. Enjoy often!
Bon Appetite’ with Love,
To download this recipe, click here.