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Empanadas are a culinary specialty from Spain. Here you will find a simple recipe for the crispy dumplings – with various ideas for vegan and vegetarian fillings.

Empanadas are small dumplings that are a staple of national cuisine in most Spanish-speaking countries. Traditionally they are filled with meat, vegetables and cheese. Our recipe contains a basic vegan filling.

Make sure the ingredients for the empanadas are organic if possible. You support ecologically sustainable agriculture that treats the earth’s natural resources with care.

Make empanadas yourself: Here’s how

Ingredients:

600 g spelled flour
200 g vegan margarine
2 teaspoons cream of tartar baking powder
4 tsp salt
300 ml water
1 onion
1pepper
1 clove(s) garlic
2 tablespoons rapeseed oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
150 gkidney beans
150 gcorn
200 g chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon raw cane sugar
pepper

Directions:

First knead the spelled flour, the vegan margarine, the cream of tartar, two teaspoons of salt and the water in a bowl to form a smooth dough. Place the dough in the refrigerator covered with a damp tea towel.
Cut the onion and the pepper into small pieces. Chop the garlic.
Heat the canola oil in a large pan. Sauté the onions in it over medium heat for 3 minutes. Then add the peppers and tomato paste and cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally.
Then add the kidney beans, corn and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Also add the raw cane sugar. Cover and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Then season with pepper and the remaining salt.
Flour a work surface and knead the dough vigorously again. Then, using a rolling pin or a glass bottle, roll it out about half an inch thick. Then use a glass or bowl to cut out round pieces of dough. They should be ten to fifteen centimeters in diameter.
Place about 1/2 or 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each piece of dough. Then fold them into a crescent and gently press the edges together with a fork.
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with baking paper or baking paper substitute. Brush them with some liquid margarine.
Bake the empanadas at 200 degrees top/bottom heat for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Complete!

Empanadas: possible variations

You can prepare empanadas with a wide variety of fillings. There are numerous vegan and vegetarian options:

A very simple variant of the empanadas, for example, is only filled with (vegan) cheese.
You can also make vegetarian ground beef and add it to the filling instead of the kidney beans.
Instead of the peppers, you can also fill the empanadas with zucchini, eggplant, spinach or kale.
A dip is traditionally served with the empanadas. For example, red salsa and salsa verde or homemade guacamole go well with the crispy dumplings.

Introduction to Chilean Cuisine

Chilean cuisine is a reflection of the country’s diverse geography, cultural history, and culinary traditions. It is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and hearty dishes that incorporate seafood, meat, vegetables, and grains. Chilean cuisine has been influenced by indigenous Mapuche culture, Spanish colonization, and European immigration, which has resulted in a fusion of different flavors and cooking styles.

What are Empanadas?

Empanadas are a popular dish in Chilean cuisine that consists of a savory pastry filled with various ingredients and then baked or fried. These turnovers are typically made with a wheat flour dough that is filled with a mixture of meat, vegetables, cheese, and spices. Empanadas are a staple food in Chile and are often eaten as a snack or a meal, depending on the size and filling.

Different Types of Empanadas

There are several types of empanadas in Chilean cuisine, each with its own regional variations and fillings. The most common types of empanadas are:

  • Empanada de Pino: The most traditional type of empanada in Chile, filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and spices.
  • Empanada de Mariscos: A seafood variation of the empanada that includes various types of seafood, such as shrimp, crab, and mussels.
  • Empanada de Queso: A cheese-filled empanada that can include a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
  • Empanada de Camarones: A shrimp-filled empanada that is popular in the coastal regions of Chile.

History of Empanadas in Chile

Empanadas have been a part of Chilean cuisine for centuries and have their origins in Spanish cuisine. The word “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means to wrap or coat in bread. Empanadas were brought to Chile during the Spanish colonization and were quickly adopted as a popular food in the country. Over time, empanadas have become an essential part of Chilean culture and a symbol of national identity.

Ingredients Used in Empanadas

The ingredients used in empanadas vary depending on the type and regional variation. However, some of the common ingredients include wheat flour, lard or butter, meat (beef, chicken, pork), onions, garlic, vegetables (peppers, tomatoes, potatoes), cheese, olives, raisins, and spices (cumin, paprika, oregano).

Traditional Empanadas Fillings

The traditional empanada filling in Chile is called “pino,” which is a mixture of ground beef, onions, raisins, olives, and spices. The filling is typically cooked with a stew-like consistency and then added to the pastry. Other popular fillings include seafood, cheese, chicken, vegetables, and mushrooms.

Serving and Eating Empanadas

Empanadas are typically served as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be enjoyed as a main course. They are often accompanied by aji sauce, which is a spicy condiment made with chili peppers, lime juice, and cilantro. Empanadas are eaten with the hands, and it is common to fold the pastry in half and take a bite from one end.

Conclusion: Empanadas in Chilean Culture

Empanadas are a beloved food in Chilean culture and are a symbol of national identity. They are a versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack, a meal, or a party food. Empanadas reflect the country’s history, diversity, and culinary traditions and are an essential part of Chilean cuisine.