How to Make Empanadas with a Quick and Easy Recipe

Empanadas are one of those dishes that have the power to bring people together. Whether you’ve had them at a family gathering, a street food market, or a cozy restaurant, you know that first bite—the crispy, golden crust giving way to the savory or sweet filling—is an experience you won’t forget. The good news is, you don’t need to be a professional chef to make delicious empanadas at home. In fact, with this quick and easy recipe, you’ll have your own batch ready to enjoy in no time.

Let’s break down the process of how to make empanadas that are sure to impress your family, friends, or even just your taste buds. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will make you feel like an empanada pro.

What Are Empanadas?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what makes empanadas so special. Empanadas are a type of pastry that originated in Spain but have become beloved in many parts of the world, especially in Latin America. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means “to bread” or “to wrap in bread.”

In essence, empanadas are dough-filled pastries, and they can be stuffed with almost anything—from meats like beef and chicken to vegetables, cheese, and even fruits for a sweet variation. The best part? You can bake or fry them, depending on your preference. Empanadas are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a full meal, making them versatile for any occasion.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you’ve got everything you need for the recipe. Here’s a list of ingredients for a simple yet flavorful batch of empanadas.

Table: Ingredients for Quick and Easy Empanadas

Filling Variations

The beauty of empanadas is that you can fill them with whatever you desire. While traditional fillings often include ground beef, chicken, or a mix of vegetables, feel free to get creative with combinations. If you prefer vegetarian options, try using black beans, potatoes, or spinach mixed with cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Preparing the Filling

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to prepare the filling. This step doesn’t take long, and it’s where you can adjust the flavors to your liking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Filling

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Place a large skillet on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Cook the Meat or Veggies: Add your ground beef, chicken, or vegetables to the skillet. Stir occasionally, breaking up the meat if you’re using it, until fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
4. Season the Filling: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of paprika to the filling. You can also add other seasonings like oregano or chili powder for a kick. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
5. Add Bell Peppers (Optional): If you want a little extra crunch and flavor, add diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
6. Let the Filling Cool: Once the filling is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. This is an important step because hot filling could melt the dough when assembling the empanadas.

Tip: Allowing the filling to cool prevents the dough from becoming soggy and ensures that the empanadas stay perfectly sealed.

Making the Empanada Dough

While store-bought dough can save you time, homemade empanada dough is worth the effort and adds an extra layer of flavor. Here’s a quick and easy way to make your own dough at home.

Quick Empanada Dough Recipe

To make the dough, you’ll need basic ingredients like flour, butter, salt, and water. Follow these simple steps:

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Add the Butter: Cut 1/2 cup of cold butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water Gradually: Slowly add 4-6 tablespoons of cold water to the dough, stirring as you go. The dough should come together, but it shouldn’t be too sticky.
4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s smooth.
5. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting period makes the dough easier to roll out and prevents it from shrinking when baked.

Assembling Your Empanadas

Now comes the fun part: assembling your empanadas. Here’s how you do it:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has rested, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface.
3. Cut Dough Circles: Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8-10 circles, depending on the size.
4. Add the Filling: Place a tablespoon of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overstuff!
5. Fold and Seal: Gently fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges or pinch the dough tightly together to seal it.
6. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with a beaten egg to give it a golden, glossy finish.
7. Bake: Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.

Frying vs. Baking: Which Is Better?

If you prefer a crispier exterior, frying your empanadas is an option. While baking is a healthier choice, frying gives the empanadas a deliciously crispy texture. If you choose to fry:

1. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F.
2. Fry Empanadas: Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the fried empanadas and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Empanadas are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Dipping Sauces: Pair your empanadas with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a tangy chimichurri sauce for added flavor.
• Salads and Sides: Serve empanadas with a refreshing green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.
• Sweet Empanadas: Try making dessert empanadas by filling them with chocolate, caramel, or fruits like apples or berries.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas

To make sure your empanadas come out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Don’t Overstuff: While it might be tempting to add lots of filling, overstuffing can cause the dough to tear or the filling to leak out.
• Seal the Edges Well: Be sure to crimp or pinch the edges of the dough tightly so the filling stays inside during baking or frying.
• Use Fresh Dough: For the best results, try to make fresh dough. Store-bought dough can be convenient, but homemade dough offers better flavor and texture.
• Freezing Empanadas: Empanadas can be frozen before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, cook them straight from the freezer.

FAQs About Empanadas

1. How can I make empanadas with a quick and easy recipe without using homemade dough?

You can save time by using store-bought empanada dough. Simply fill the dough with your choice of filling, fold, and bake or fry according to the recipe instructions.

2. Can I freeze empanadas before baking?

Yes! Freezing empanadas before baking is a great way to make them in advance. Just be sure to freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag for long-term storage.

3. What are some other empanada filling ideas?

You can try chicken, cheese, spinach, beans, or even a sweet filling like chocolate or fruits for dessert empanadas.

Conclusion

Making empanadas at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy the deliciousness of these golden, flaky pastries in no time. Whether you bake or fry them, these empanadas are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try different fillings, experiment with flavors, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones!

Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, get cooking, and let your creativity shine. Your homemade empanadas are waiting to be devoured!