Argentinian Empanadas: A Delicious and Portable Snack

Empanadas are a popular snack throughout Latin America, and in Argentina, they are a staple of everyday life. These savory pastries are made with a variety of fillings, including beef, chicken, cheese, and vegetables, and are enjoyed as a quick and easy meal on the go or as a party appetizer. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of empanadas, the most popular fillings in Argentina, and a recipe you can make at home.

A Brief History of Empanadas

The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means “to wrap in bread.” While the origins of empanadas are uncertain, it’s believed that they were first created in Spain during the time of the Moors. From there, empanadas spread throughout Latin America, and each country has its own version and unique fillings.

In Argentina, empanadas are believed to have been introduced by Spanish settlers in the 16th century. Over time, they have become a beloved part of Argentinian cuisine, with different regions and families having their own preferred fillings and cooking methods.

Popular Empanada Fillings in Argentina

In Argentina, empanadas are often filled with ground beef or chicken, seasoned with a mix of spices that typically includes cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cheese, onions, and hard-boiled eggs are common additions to the filling, as well as olives, raisins, and other fruits.

Vegetarian and vegan options are also popular in Argentina, with fillings that feature spinach, cheese, or squash, and can be a great way to enjoy empanadas if you don’t eat meat.

How to Make Argentinian Empanadas at Home

While you can find empanadas at most Argentinian restaurants and bakeries, making them at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s a recipe for Argentinian-style empanadas that you can try at home:

Argentinian Empanadas Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 batches of empanada dough (recipe below)
• 1 egg, beaten

Argentinian Empanadas Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onions and bell peppers and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft.
2. Add the chopped hard-boiled eggs, green olives, and raisins to the skillet, and stir to combine.
3. Add the paprika, cumin, chili flakes, salt, and pepper, and stir to coat the filling mixture.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the empanada dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles of dough.
6. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
7. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and brush the tops with the beaten egg.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.
9. Cooking time: 1 hour
10. Yield: 20 empanadas
11. As you can see, making empanadas requires some time and effort, but the end result is definitely worth it. Whether you are in Argentina or not, you can enjoy this delicious dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.

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