Patrick Oconnell
Empanadas are a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling, common in Spain, other Southern European countries, North African countries, South Asian countries, Latin American countries, and the Philippines. They are made by folding dough over a filling, which may consist of meat, cheese, tomato, corn, or other ingredients. This paragraph will focus on cheese empanadas and the different varieties found in Latin America.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Region | Spain, Southern Europe, North Africa, South Asia, Latin America, the Philippines, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina |
| Dough | Wheat flour, corn dough, cassava, green or ripe plantain, lard-based dough, margarine-based dough, corn, masa |
| Filling | Cheese, meat, beef, chicken, beans, fish, ground beef, melted cheese, mozzarella, catupiry, heart of palm, codfish, cream cheese, shredded chicken, cumin, garlic, onions, raisins, green olives, guava paste, cream cheese, salty white cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, Mexican cheese, potatoes, onions, cilantro, tomato, shredded beef, bean and cheese, vegetables, beef broth, yellow onions, red bell peppers, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, chimichurri sauce, lamb, ground turkey, pulled pork, bouillon, cabbage, salsa |
| Cooking Method | Baked, fried, deep-fried, pan-fried, oven-baked |
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What You'll Learn
Empanada dough
Empanadas are a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling. They are common in Spain, other Southern European countries, North African countries, South Asian countries, Latin American countries, and the Philippines. The origin of empanadas is unknown, but they are thought to have originated in 7th-century Galicia, a region in northwest Spain.
The dough for empanadas is typically made with flour, butter, salt, egg, and water. Some recipes call for oil instead of butter, and milk instead of water. The dough can be made by hand or with a food processor, and it can be frozen for later use.
To make the dough, first, mix the dry ingredients (flour and salt) in a large bowl. Then, add the wet ingredients (melted butter, egg yolks, and water) to the flour mixture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead with your hands until a consistent ball of dough forms. If the dough is too wet, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it is no longer sticky. Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
After chilling, divide the dough into smaller pieces, depending on the size of the empanadas you want to make. Roll each piece into a ball and then use a rolling pin to roll them out into circles. Add the filling to the center of each circle and fold the dough over, sealing the edges with a fork or by twisting them together.
The empanadas can then be baked or fried until golden brown. They can be served as snacks, appetizers, or main courses, and can be filled with a variety of sweet or savoury fillings, including cheese.
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Cheese types
Empanadas are a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling, commonly found in Spain, other Southern European countries, North African countries, South Asian countries, Latin American countries, and the Philippines. The name comes from the Spanish verb "empanar", which means "to bread" or "to coat with bread".
There are many variations of cheese empanadas, with different types of cheese used in different regions. Here are some of the most common types of cheese used in empanadas:
Jack Cheese
Jack cheese is a popular choice for empanadas, as it has a mild and creamy flavour that pairs well with various fillings. It is often used in beef empanadas to complement the ground meat, as mentioned in a beef empanada recipe from Over The Fire Cooking.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is another common type of cheese used in empanadas. It has a sharper and more pungent flavour than Jack cheese, adding a tangy twist to the filling.
Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack cheese is a variety of Jack cheese that has been flavoured with peppers, usually bell peppers or jalapeños. It adds a spicy kick to the empanada filling and is often used in Latin American cuisine.
Mexican Cheese
Mexican cheese, such as queso blanco or Oaxaca cheese, is also used in empanadas. These cheeses have a creamy and slightly salty flavour, similar to mozzarella. They melt well and are perfect for adding a stretchy texture to the filling.
Tybo Cheese
Tybo cheese is a type of cheese commonly used in Argentinian empanadas, specifically in the city of Salta. It has a stretchy texture and a tangy flavour, making it ideal for gooey cheese empanadas. If Tybo cheese is not available, Monterey Jack cheese can be used as a substitute.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is commonly used in Brazilian pastel, a type of empanada. It has a mild and creamy flavour, and its stretchy texture makes it perfect for fried pies.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft and spreadable cheese with a mild flavour. It is commonly used in Cuban empanadas, often paired with sweet fillings such as guava paste.
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Fillings
Empanadas are a versatile dish, with a variety of fillings and cooking methods. They are a type of baked or fried turnover, consisting of pastry and filling, and are common in Spain, Southern Europe, Northern Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and the Philippines.
The fillings for cheese empanadas vary depending on the region and personal preference. Here are some common and unique fillings for cheese empanadas:
Latin America and the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica:
In Costa Rica, empanadas are typically made with nixtamalized (lime-treated) masa (corn dough) or doughs made from cassava, green or ripe plantain, and wheat flour. The filling often includes cheese, with one traditional option being a salty white cheese. They can also be filled with beef, pork, or chicken, as well as palm hearts or vegetable hashes. Sweet empanadas are also popular and are filled with tropical fruit marmalades, such as guava or pineapple.
Argentina:
In Argentina, empanadas are commonly found in the city of Salta, where they are often sold on street corners, in private homes, and in restaurants. While chopped beef empanadas are a local favorite, cheese empanadas topped with llajwa, a spicy grated tomato sauce, are also popular. The cheese filling typically combines multiple cheeses to achieve a stretchy texture and tangy flavor. Potatoes, onions, and green olives are also added to the filling for texture and to balance the fat content.
Chile:
In Chile, empanadas are eaten year-round and can be oven-baked or deep-fried. While fillings can vary, beef, pork, or chicken are commonly used, often combined with cheese. Sweet empanadas are also enjoyed and are filled with tropical fruit marmalades, such as guava or pineapple.
Brazil:
In Brazil, a similar dish called "pastel" or "pastéis" consists of half-circle or rectangle-shaped thin crust pies with assorted fillings. While ground meat, chicken, and shrimp are common, sweet fillings such as guava paste with Minas cheese, banana, and chocolate are also popular.
Belize:
In Belize, empanadas are known as "panades" and are typically made with masa (corn dough) and stuffed with fish, chicken, or beans. They are usually deep-fried and served with a cabbage or salsa topping.
Cuba:
In Cuba, empanadas are frequently enjoyed as snacks, appetizers, or main courses, and they are almost always deep-fried. Common fillings include picadillo (shredded beef or chicken) mixed with cumin, garlic, onions, raisins, and green olives. Sweet empanadas are also popular, filled with guava paste and cream cheese. "Empanadas de viento" or "windy" empanadas are fried, wheat-based empanadas stuffed with stringy cheese and sprinkled with sugar.
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Cooking methods
Cheese empanadas are a popular snack in many countries, including Costa Rica, Argentina, and Chile. They can be baked or fried, depending on the region and the recipe.
Baked Cheese Empanadas
To make baked cheese empanadas, you will need to prepare the dough and the filling separately. For the dough, you can use a combination of flour, lard or margarine, and water. The dough should be mixed and kneaded until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. You can also add crushed chile powder to the dough to give it a golden tint.
For the filling, you can use a combination of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese. You can also add potatoes, onions, and other ingredients to the filling to add texture and flavour. The filling should be prepared and cooled before being placed on the dough.
Once the dough and filling are ready, you can start assembling the empanadas. Place a small amount of filling in the centre of the dough and brush the edges with beaten egg or water. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork or twisting into a rope-like pattern.
Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400-425°F for 15-17 minutes, until golden brown.
Fried Cheese Empanadas
To make fried cheese empanadas, you can use a similar dough and filling as the baked version. However, the frying process is different. The oil should be heated to 350°F in a Dutch oven or deep fryer. The empanadas should be carefully added to the hot oil and fried for about 1.5-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Fry in batches to avoid crowding the fryer.
Air-fried Cheese Empanadas
Air-fried cheese empanadas are also an option, though less common. One source mentions attempting to cook empanadas in an air fryer but not having mastered the technique yet.
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Serving suggestions
Cheese empanadas are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various side dishes and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions for cheese empanadas:
As a Snack or Appetizer
Cheese empanadas make a delicious snack or appetizer, especially when served hot. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dips and sauces. Some popular options include hot sauce, chimichurri sauce, or Salsa Lizano, a traditional Costa Rican sauce. You can also serve them with a simple green salad or an Argentine salad, which typically includes sliced cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, crushed garlic, oregano, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
As a Main Course
For a heartier meal, cheese empanadas can be served with a variety of side dishes. Some options include fried potatoes, rice, beans, or a fresh garden salad. If you want to add more protein, consider serving them with grilled chicken, beef, or seafood. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces or salsas on the side to enhance the flavour.
Dessert Option
Although less common, sweet cheese empanadas can be served as a dessert option. These empanadas are usually filled with fruit, such as pineapple or guava, and can be served with a scoop of ice cream or a sweet dipping sauce. They can also be sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon for an extra touch of sweetness.
Street Food Style
In many countries, empanadas are popular street food. To recreate this style, serve your cheese empanadas in a casual setting, either as a handheld snack or on a paper plate with a napkin. Pair them with other street food favourites like tamales, pizza, or corn stew. Don't forget to eat them "de patas abiertas" (open-legged) to catch any juicy fillings!
Beverage Pairings
When it comes to beverages, there are several options that complement cheese empanadas well. In Costa Rica, empanadas are often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, agua dulce, or chamomile tea. Other beverage options include fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, or even a glass of wine or beer for adults.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese empanadas are made using dough, which can be corn, wheat, or any other type of dough, and cheese. The cheese used can vary, but it is typically white, salty cheese. In Argentina, a combination of cheeses is used to create a stretchy texture and tangy flavor.
Cheese empanadas can be baked or fried.
Cheese empanadas are commonly found in Costa Rica and Argentina. In Costa Rica, they are often sold at food stalls, food trucks, bakeries, and grocery stores. In Argentina, they are sold in Salta from street corners, private homes, and restaurants.
Cheese empanadas can be made with different types of dough and cheese. In Costa Rica, they are made with corn dough, while in Argentina, they are made with lard- or margarine-based dough. In addition to cheese, cheese empanadas can also include potatoes, onions, and beef.
