# Empanadas: A Taste of Mexican Culinary Heritage
In the vibrant tapestry of Mexican cuisine, empanadas stand out as delectable pastries filled with savory or sweet fillings. These handheld delights have captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide, tantalizing taste buds with their flaky crust and diverse fillings. From the classic meat-based empanadas to vegetarian and vegan variations, each bite offers a unique culinary adventure.
This comprehensive guide will take you on a journey into the world of Mexican empanadas, providing you with a collection of authentic recipes that showcase the versatility of this beloved dish. Discover the secrets of creating the perfect empanada dough, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of folding and sealing.
With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to craft empanadas that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. Whether you prefer traditional fillings like seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, or are looking for innovative vegetarian options such as roasted vegetables or black beans, this guide has something for every palate.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the rich flavors and textures of Mexican empanadas. From classic recipes to modern interpretations, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create these delectable pastries that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's begin our empanada-making journey!
EMPANADA DOUGH
This basic dough can be filled with Empanada Pork Filling, then fried or baked.
Provided by lola
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Pastries Empanadas
Time 20m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Whisk together the 2 cups flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl until evenly blended; make a well in the center of the mixture. Whisk the egg yolk and water together in a small bowl until smooth; pour into the well and mix to form a stiff dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
- Roll the dough with a rolling pin until thin, sprinkling with flour to prevent from sticking. Brush with melted butter and roll it like a jelly roll. Cut with a sharp knife into 1 1/2-inch slices. Roll each piece into a circle and fill with about 1 tablespoon filling. Fold over into half moons and seal.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 61.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.2 g, Cholesterol 11.1 mg, Fat 1.3 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 56 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
MEXICAN PUMPKIN EMPANADAS
My take on a traditional pumpkin empanada! Adjust all spices to your taste.
Provided by Esther Loveall Saunders
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 1h
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and baking powder together. Cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs; stir the water in, about 2 tablespoons at a time, just until you can gather the dough together. Knead the dough a few times in the bowl, then scrape it out onto a floured surface. Cut the dough in quarters, and cut each quarter into thirds to make 12 equal portions. Roll the portions into balls. Cover the dough balls with a cloth, and allow to rest while you make the filling.
- Mix the pumpkin, 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together until smooth. On a floured surface, roll each dough ball out into a thin circle about 6 inches across; spoon about 1/3 cup of filling into the center of the dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shaped pie, and crimp the edges of the crust together with a fork, leaving little fork lines in the dough. Gently lay the empanadas onto the prepared baking sheets. Brush the top of each pie with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the filling is hot and the crusts are shiny and browned, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.2 calories, Carbohydrate 52.3 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 18.6 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 709.8 mg, Sugar 26 g
Tips:
- To make the dough easier to work with, chill it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
- If the dough is too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is no longer sticky.
- When rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
- Be careful not to roll the dough too thin, or it will be difficult to fold.
- To prevent the empanadas from leaking, make sure to seal the edges well before frying or baking them.
- If you are frying the empanadas, use a deep fryer or a large saucepan filled with oil. Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the empanadas.
- If you are baking the empanadas, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce.
Conclusion:
Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings. The dough is easy to make and can be rolled out by hand or with a pasta machine. Empanadas can be fried or baked, and they are a great appetizer or main course. With these tips, you can make perfect empanadas every time.
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