National Empanada Day is celebrated on April 8th each year. Empanadas are a type of pastry that are popular throughout Latin America, Spain, and the Philippines. The pastry is usually filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or other ingredients, and then baked or fried until crispy. Empanadas can be served as a snack, a main course, or a dessert, and they are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal.

Empanadas are a type of pastry dish that have been around for centuries. They originated in Spain and Portugal but have now spread to Latin America and other parts of the world. The word “empanar” means “to wrap in bread,” and empanadas are typically filled with savory ingredients and then sealed in a pastry dough. They can be either baked or fried, and the fillings can vary widely.

Empanadas are believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, when Moorish people brought the dish to Spain. The pastry was introduced to Latin America and the Philippines during the colonial era and has since become a staple in the cuisine of these regions. Over time, the dish became popular in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where it is considered a national dish.

Each country has its own unique take on empanadas, with different fillings, shapes, and cooking methods. Some popular variations include Argentinean beef empanadas, Chilean seafood empanadas, and Filipino dessert empanadas filled with sweetened coconut. Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, cheeses, vegetables, and fruits. They can be served as appetizers, snacks, or even as a meal. The pastry is usually sealed with egg wash or butter. Empanadas can be served hot or cold, and they are a popular item at birthday parties, family gatherings, and other celebrations.

Nowadays, empanadas are popular throughout the world and can be found in many different countries. According to the National Restaurant Association, empanadas are growing in popularity in the United States, with an estimated 20% of adults having ordered them in restaurants in 2019. It is likely that a large number of empanadas are consumed worldwide, as the dish is popular in many countries.

 

Here are some fun facts about empanadas:

• Empanadas are popular in many countries: While empanadas are most commonly associated with Latin America, they are also popular in many other countries, including Spain, Portugal, the Philippines, and even parts of Asia.
• Empanadas have different shapes depending on where they’re made: In Argentina, empanadas are often crescent-shaped, while in Chile, they’re shaped like small turnovers. In the Philippines, empanadas are usually larger and have a distinctive orange color.
• Empanadas were originally made for soldiers: In Spain, empanadas were a popular food for soldiers because they were easy to carry and didn’t spoil easily. The tradition of making empanadas for soldiers was carried over to the New World and eventually became a staple food in Latin America.
• Empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients: While meat is a common filling for empanadas, they can also be filled with vegetables, cheese, fruits, and even sweet fillings like dulce de leche or chocolate.
• Empanadas have their own holiday: In addition to National Empanada Day, there is also an entire holiday dedicated to empanadas in Argentina. The annual Feria de Mataderos in Buenos Aires features a day dedicated to celebrating the country’s favorite empanadas, complete with live music and dance performances.

 

The earliest recorded recipe for empanadas can be found in a Spanish manuscript written by Antonio del Corro, a Spanish physician and writer, dating back to the 1520s. The recipe is as follows:

 

Ingredients:

– 1 pound of flour

– 1 tablespoon of salt

– 1/2 cup of olive oil

– 2 cups of cold water

– 4 tablespoons of butter

– 1 pound of ground beef

– 1/2 cup of chopped onion

– 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin

– 1/4 cup of raisins

– 1/4 cup of chopped almonds

– 1/4 cup of chopped parsley

– 1/4 cup of chopped green olives

– 1/4 cup of dry white wine

 

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
2. Add the olive oil and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water while stirring until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
5. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
6. In a medium skillet, heat the butter over medium heat.
7. Add the ground beef, onion, pepper, and cumin. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.
8. Add the raisins, almonds, parsley, and olives. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the wine.
10. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
11. Divide the dough into 12 balls.
12. Roll each ball into a circle about 6 inches in diameter.
13. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle.
14. Fold the circles in half and press the edges together to seal.
15. Place the empanadas on a greased baking sheet.
16. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
17. Serve warm. Enjoy!

 

Have you ever tried an empanada? We’d love to hear about it.