What are 3 types of empanadas? If you’ve ever been curious about these hand-held, mouthwatering pastries, you’re in the right place. Empanadas are a beloved dish across Latin America and beyond, celebrated for their variety of delicious fillings and irresistible flavors. Whether baked or fried, empanadas consist of a dough folded over savory or sweet fillings. In this article, we’ll explore three of the most popular types of empanadas—beef, chicken, and cheese. Each offers a distinct taste and texture that food lovers everywhere enjoy.
So, what are 3 types of empanadas? This article will dive into these varieties, explaining their flavors, regional differences, and why they’re so essential to anyone who loves this versatile dish. Whether you’re new to empanadas or already a fan, this guide will deepen your appreciation for these Latin American favorites. Let’s get started!
What Are Empanadas? A Simple Overview
Before we dive into the question what are 3 types of empanadas, let’s first explain what empanadas are. Empanadas are hand-held pastries made by wrapping dough around a filling. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread.” This term perfectly describes how the dough encloses the filling to create a delicious, portable meal.
Empanadas originated in Spain and made their way to Latin America during the colonial period. Each country in Latin America adapted the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and unique flavors. Today, empanadas are enjoyed in a variety of settings, from street food to family meals. Some countries prefer baking their empanadas for a flaky crust, while others fry them for a crunchy bite.
The fillings in empanadas are where the magic happens. You can fill them with anything—meat, cheese, vegetables, or even fruits—and then choose whether to bake or fry them. This adaptability makes empanadas a dish that works for any meal or occasion. To learn more about how to prepare empanadas, check out this chicken empanada recipe.
What Are 3 Types of Empanadas?
Now, let’s answer the question: What are 3 types of empanadas? Here are three of the most popular varieties found across Latin America:
1. Beef Empanadas
Beef empanadas are perhaps the most iconic version, especially in Argentina, where they are a culinary staple. The filling is usually a mix of ground beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and spices like cumin and paprika. These flavors combine to create a rich, savory filling, which is wrapped in a flaky dough.
In Argentina, empanadas de carne are typically baked, giving them a crispy, golden crust. In Chile, a similar version called empanadas de pino is equally popular. These empanadas may include more onions and fewer spices for a milder flavor.
Colombia and Venezuela also have their own versions of beef empanadas. They often fry them, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the juicy beef inside. Whether baked or fried, beef empanadas are a favorite across Latin America. For more inspiration on different empanada fillings, check out this empanada recipe guide.
2. Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas offer a lighter alternative to beef while still delivering big flavor. The filling usually includes shredded chicken, sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and paprika. Sometimes, cheese is added for extra creaminess.
In countries like Peru and Bolivia, people often serve chicken empanadas with a spicy dipping sauce called ají. This sauce adds heat and enhances the flavor of the chicken. In Mexico, chicken empanadas often feature chili peppers and cilantro for a slightly spicier taste.
These empanadas are relatively easy to prepare at home. Whether you bake them for a lighter texture or fry them for extra crispiness, chicken empanadas are a crowd-pleaser. For a simple guide to making them, check out this chicken empanada recipe.
3. Cheese Empanadas (Empanadas de Viento)
Cheese empanadas, or empanadas de viento in Ecuador, are a must-try for cheese lovers. These empanadas are filled with melted cheese and fried until crispy, resulting in a gooey, savory filling wrapped in a light, crunchy exterior. Despite their rich filling, cheese empanadas have a surprisingly airy texture, which is why they’re called “wind empanadas.”
What makes cheese empanadas unique is the sprinkle of sugar added after frying. This creates a delightful mix of sweet and savory that’s especially popular in Ecuador. However, you can find similar cheese empanadas throughout Latin America, each with its own twist.
Cheese empanadas are easy to make at home, which makes them a great option for beginners. Whether you serve them as appetizers or snacks, these empanadas are sure to be a hit. To start making them yourself, check out this empanada dough recipe for an authentic take.
Other Popular Types of Empanadas
While beef, chicken, and cheese empanadas are some of the most popular types, many other varieties exist across Latin America. Each country adds its own local ingredients and unique touches to create its version. Here are a few other notable empanada varieties worth exploring:
- Empanadas de Pino (Chile): Made with ground beef, onions, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, these empanadas offer a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- Salteñas (Bolivia): These empanadas have a slightly sweeter dough and are filled with juicy beef, chicken, or pork. They are often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack.
- Empanadas de Morocho (Ecuador): Made with morocho corn flour, these empanadas offer a distinct texture and are typically filled with beef or pork.
With so many different types of empanadas to try, you can explore endless flavors and variations. For another delicious Latin American snack to pair with empanadas, consider trying loaded fries.
How to Make Empanadas at Home
Making empanadas at home is both fun and rewarding. Here’s a simple guide to help you create your own delicious empanadas from scratch:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
You can use store-bought dough, but making your own from scratch gives you control over the flavor and texture. Here’s a basic dough recipe:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup of ice water
First, mix the flour and salt in a bowl. Next, cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and mix until the dough forms a ball. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Whether you’re making beef, chicken, or cheese empanadas, make sure your filling is flavorful and not too watery. For beef or chicken, cook the meat with onions, spices, and other ingredients like tomatoes or cheese.
For cheese empanadas, simply shred your favorite cheese and use it as the filling. You can also add herbs or green onions for extra flavor.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface and cut it into circles. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them with a fork.
If you’re baking the empanadas, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake them for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If you prefer fried empanadas, heat oil in a deep pan and fry them until they’re crispy and golden.
Looking for another great dish to serve alongside your empanadas? Consider these flavorful turkey wings as a delicious side.
FAQs About Empanadas
What’s the difference between empanadas and pastelillos?
Pastelillos are smaller than empanadas and made with a thinner dough. They are common in Puerto Rican cuisine and usually fried.
Can I freeze empanadas?
Yes! You can freeze empanadas before or after cooking. Store them in a freezer-safe bag, and when you’re ready to eat them, either bake or fry them straight from the freezer.
Are empanadas healthy?
The nutritional value of empanadas depends on the filling and how they’re cooked. Baking them is generally healthier than frying, and using an air fryer can reduce fat while still giving you that crispy texture.
Conclusion
So, what are 3 types of empanadas? The answer is simple: beef, chicken, and cheese empanadas are some of the most popular and delicious types you can try. Each variety offers its own unique flavors and textures, making empanadas a versatile and beloved dish across Latin America. Whether you bake them or fry them, empanadas are a perfect choice for any meal or occasion.
For a healthier option, consider using an air fryer to reduce the amount of oil while still enjoying a crispy, delicious crust. Ready to start making your own empanadas? Gather your ingredients and explore the wonderful flavors of Latin American cuisine today!