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Oh, empanadas. Where do I even begin to express my adoration for you? Empanadas are not just a dish; they’re a piece of art wrapped in dough, a culinary masterpiece that holds within it the promise of flavor, tradition, and comfort. From their origins in Latin America to their widespread popularity across the globe, they have captured the hearts and taste buds of countless individuals—including (and especially) mine.
For those who haven’t had the pleasure of eating them, empanadas are pockets of dough stuffed with a delicious filling, ranging from meaty or cheesy savory options to fruity and sweet varieties. In Central and South America, the dough is similar to puff pastry, while in Venezuela, my country of origin, empanadas are a little different. Instead of a puff-pastry-like dough, we use white cornmeal. Typically, Venezuelan empanadas are stuffed with a minced meat mixture and then deep-fried until golden brown. My favorite way to eat them, though, is stuffed with Venezuelan farmer’s cheese. It’s an incredibly salty, pungent cheese, similar to feta cheese, that is native to my country. But, now that we’re in the U.S., my Mom will often opt for farmer’s cheese from different countries, like a Salvadoran cheese from the Hispanic market near her apartment.
It’s not just the ingredients that make empanadas special, though. It’s the love and care that goes into each one. My fondest memories involving empanadas take me back to sleepy Saturday mornings at my abuela’s house in Caracas. The smell of freshly brewed coffee was the only incentive to get out of bed, and as I shuffled toward the kitchen, the snap, crackle, and pop of the frying oil told me my abuela was almost done making the empanadas. This tradition continued after my family moved to the U.S., with my mom and me sharing a cafecito and an empanada on lazy Saturday mornings. It’s one of the many ways I remain connected to my culture.
If you want to start your own family tradition of empanadas, here are a few mouthwatering empanada recipes you can try at home.
Beef Empanadas
A timeless classic, these empanadas are a great starting point. Filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices, they create a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the streets of South America with every bite.
Guava Empanadas
A sweet twist on a classic favorite, these empanadas are filled with luscious guava paste, creating a delightful contrast of flavors between the sweet filling and buttery dough. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Lentil-Chorizo Empanadas
For those craving a hearty and flavorful option, these empanadas are a must-try. The combination of earthy lentils and spicy chorizo nestled within a flaky crust is simply irresistible.
Vegetarian Empanadas
Bursting with colorful vegetables and aromatics, these empanadas prove that meat-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. Swap in a ground beef substitute and spice it up with delicious flavors all wrapped in puff pastry dough.
Beef Empanada Stars
These delightful bites take the traditional beef empanada to a whole new level by shaping them into adorable star shapes. Perfect for parties or a fun twist on a weeknight dinner.
Venezuelan Empanadas de Queso
This version, like my abuela’s, uses white cornmeal and has a delicious cheese filling. The recipe calls for shredded mozzarella, which makes for a cheesy and gooey center.
Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or main course, empanadas hold a special place in my heart and on my table. I hope they can be a source of joy for everyone else, too!
