An empanada is a Spanish and
Mexican delicacy which is originally from the Middle East and brought over to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors and traders.
The
Spanish word empanada means "breaded or "in dough" in English.
Empanada is the common word to use for this pastry, but it can also be called
empanadas. empadas, pasteles, saltena, or empadinas. The saltena is also
national dish of Bolivia.
The
pastry is can be served as a snack or a dish. It ranges in size from two inches
to six inches. The pastry can be served alone as a first course or with a
salad.
An empanada is very simple to prepare and made with just a few
ingredients. The crust of the empanada is made of dough and it is filled
with different ingredients. Some of these ingredients include meats like chick
or beef, seafood, vegetables, fruits, or desert fillings.
The
empanada is not a fattening snack or meal that is usually baked or deep fried.
In kitchens all around the world this delicacy is being made by cooks. It is a
tasty food.
Recipe on how to make an empanada:
Shell:
- 2 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 tbsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
1/3 cup ice water
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
Cut
the shortening into the flour as though you were making a pie crust by
working it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse
crumbs. Sprinkle
dough with just enough ice water so that it will just hold together.
Knead together briefly and allow to rest, covered about 10 minutes. Roll dough out on a lightly floured board to circles about 3-4 inches in diameter.
Place
a spoonful of empanada filling of your choice on one side of the
circle. Moisten the edges of the circle with a small amount of water
and fold the dough over the filling to make a half circle. Press the
edges together to seal. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Filling:
- 1 medium sized onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tomatoes, peeled
2 cups cooked beef, chopped
1/2 cup beef stock
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp vinegar
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
Saute onions and garlic in hot oil until translucent.
Add meat, saute 5 more minutes. Stir in tomatoes, stock and remaining ingredients.
Simmer 30 minutes. | 
