The perfect ending to your meal: are empanadas the new dessert king?

Empanadas, a beloved culinary creation, are delectable pastries that have tantalized taste buds worldwide. Their origins can be traced back to Spain, where they are considered a savory dish. However, as these pastries embarked on a journey across continents, they underwent a metamorphosis, evolving into a sweet treat in many cultures.

Are Empanadas Dessert?

The answer to this question is not as straightforward as one might assume. Empanadas, in their essence, are versatile pastries that can be molded into either a savory or sweet dish, depending on the fillings they house.

Savory Empanadas

Traditional empanadas, as they are known in their birthplace of Spain, are typically filled with savory ingredients such as seasoned meats, vegetables, and cheese. These savory empanadas are often served as appetizers or main courses.

Sweet Empanadas

In contrast, sweet empanadas have become a popular dessert in many parts of the world. They are typically filled with sweet ingredients such as fruits, jams, chocolate, and nuts. These sweet empanadas are often served as a dessert or a sweet snack.

Cultural Variations of Empanadas

As empanadas traveled from Spain to other parts of the globe, they underwent cultural adaptations, resulting in a diverse array of flavors and fillings.

Argentina

In Argentina, empanadas are a national dish and come in both savory and sweet varieties. Popular savory fillings include beef, chicken, and ham and cheese, while sweet fillings include dulce de leche and fruits.

Mexico

Mexican empanadas are typically smaller than their Argentinian counterparts and are often filled with cheese, beans, or potatoes. They are also commonly served with salsa or guacamole.

Chile

Chilean empanadas are known as “empanadas de pino” and are filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, olives, and raisins. They are often served with a side of pebre, a spicy salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

The Philippines

In the Philippines, empanadas are known as “empanada de pollo” and are filled with chicken, potatoes, and carrots. They are often served with a dipping sauce made with vinegar and garlic.

Health Benefits of Empanadas

While empanadas are not typically considered a health food, they can provide some nutritional benefits depending on the fillings used.

Savory Empanadas

Savory empanadas can be a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, especially if they are filled with lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains.

Sweet Empanadas

Sweet empanadas, while not as nutritious as savory empanadas, can still provide some vitamins and minerals, such as those found in fruits and nuts.

How to Make Empanadas

Making empanadas is a relatively simple process that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

To make empanadas, you will need:

• Empanada dough
• Fillings of your choice
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water)

Instructions

1. Roll out the empanada dough into a thin circle.
2. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the circle.
3. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
4. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative seal.
5. Brush the empanadas with egg wash.
6. Bake the empanadas at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Questions We Hear a Lot

What is the difference between a savory empanada and a sweet empanada?

Savory empanadas are typically filled with savory ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and cheese, while sweet empanadas are filled with sweet ingredients such as fruits, jams, chocolate, and nuts.

Can empanadas be frozen?

Yes, empanadas can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the empanadas to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze baked empanadas, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

How do you reheat empanadas?

To reheat frozen unbaked empanadas, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. To reheat frozen baked empanadas, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the empanadas for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.