Empanadas: The World's Perfect Street Food

Empanadas.  You know em, you love em.  Even if you have never had an empanada before, I can confidently say that it is something you will like.  How can I be so sure of myself, you may ask.  Because an empanada, at its core, is a fried or baked pastry stuffed full of a variety of fillings including meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and even sweets such as chocolate.  And honestly, who doesn't like a warm, gooey, bread pocket spilling over with deliciously flavored filling?

Empanadas are a popular snack in regions around the world, including Latin and South America, South Asia, and Southern Europe.  These delectable little treats have their origins in Spain, and due to their widespread popularity, the exact style and flavors have adapted to each region they have become known in.

While each corner of the globe has modified the empanada to become symbolic of its own culture, the basis of the snack remains the same- hot and delicious.  They are often served with sprinkled cheese, a side of salsa, or drizzled with sauces.  In most places where empanadas are found, they are sold as a quick and easy street food.

I have eaten many an empanada, in countries around the world, as well as made my own homemade version.  The best part about these little treats is the infinite ways you can customize them to fit your taste preferences.  Have a sweet tooth?  Fill them with chocolate and sprinkle on some powdered sugar.  Vegetarian?  They are great filled with cooked peas and carrots.  Love seafood?  Fill those babies up with fish!  Make them bigger for a meal or bite size for a party snack.  Deep fry them to perfection or bake them for a healthier version.  The options go on and on.

In my household, my Jamaican husband grew up on patties, which is a Caribbean take on empanadas.  The brand that we buy are a little bigger and more robust than many empanadas, but the idea is the same.  A nice flaky pocket filled with beef, cheese, or a vegetable curry mix.  So good!

Ecuadorian Street Food- Empanada

Here's an easy recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas I found on the blog Great Grub Delicious Treats.  This recipe uses pie crust for the outer layer, making it an easier and faster alternative to making your own dough.

Cheesy Ground Beef Empanadas
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Prep Time- 20 mins
Cook Time- 30 mins
Total Time- 50 mins

​Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp diced jalapeños
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
• 2 boxes Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. In a cast iron pan or large frying pan, add ground beef, chopped onions, minced garlic and cook over medium heat until ground beef is no longer pink. Drain grease and return to pan.
3. Sprinkle with seasonings, stir. 
4. Add tomato sauce and jalapeños, stir and let simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Unroll pie crust on a lightly flour surface. Using a 4 inch bowl, turn bowl upside down and press down to cut dough. Should be able to get 4 pieces per pie crust.
6. Add a little water to the edges of the dough before filling to help seal.
7. Add a small amount of shredded cheese and about a 1/4 cup of meat mixture.
8. Fold dough over and using a fork, close up the edges by pressing to seal and place on a baking sheet.
9. In a small bowl, whisk egg and one tablespoon of water together. Using a basting brush, brush egg wash over the top of each empanada. 
10. Bake for 15 minutes or until empanada crust is golden brown.
11. Carefully remove from oven and enjoy.

Image from Great Grub Delicious Treats

Image from Great Grub Delicious Treats