Empanadas A Traditional Savory Snack
Empanadas are a type of savory turnover consisting of pastry and filling, popular in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. These delectable hand pies can be baked or fried and come in a variety of flavors, both savory and sweet.
History of Empanadas:
The origins of empanadas can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Spain. The name “empanada” is derived from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means “to wrap” or “to embrace.” It is believed that the early empanadas were filled with savory ingredients like meat, cheese, and seafood. Over time, sweet empanadas emerged as well, featuring fillings like apples, pears, and dried fruits.
Varieties of Empanadas:
Empanadas are known by different names and prepared with diverse fillings across various countries and regions. Some of the most common empanada varieties include:
- Empanada de carne: Filled with ground meat, onions, and spices.
- Empanada de pollo: Filled with chicken, onions, and spices.
- Empanada de queso: Filled with cheese and spices.
- Empanada de jamón y queso: Filled with ham and cheese.
- Empanada de atún: Filled with tuna, onions, olives, and capers.
- Empanada de verduras: Filled with vegetables, cheese, and spices.
- Empanada de frutas: A sweet empanada filled with apples, pears, raisins, and cinnamon.
Making Empanadas:
The preparation of empanadas involves making the dough first. This typically involves flour, butter, water, and salt. Once the dough is kneaded, it is left to rest. Next, the filling is prepared, which can consist of various ingredients like ground meat, onions, spices, cheese, vegetables, or fruits. The dough is divided into portions, each filled with the prepared filling. The empanadas are then sealed and baked or fried.
Serving Empanadas:
Empanadas can be served hot or cold. They are often accompanied by a salad, sauce, or salsa. Empanadas can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack.
Interesting Facts about Empanadas:
- Empanadas are considered the national dish of Argentina.
- The world’s largest empanadas are made in Argentina.
- Empanadas are found in various cuisines worldwide under different names.
- Empanadas are portable and easy to prepare, making them a popular choice for home cooking and bakeries.
Empanadas A Traditional Savory Snack
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