Want to experience the best flavor of Colombia? You should taste their empanadas. Colombian empanadas are crispy, tender, and full of flavor. They showcase the richness of the delightful Colombian culture and bring vibrant taste of the country. In this article, we will explore the history of Colombian empanadas and, most importantly, how to make them. You can make them from the comfort of your home and experience the best flavor of Colombia for yourself.
What are Empanadas?
Empanadas are a staple of Colombian cuisine. Crispy and flaky on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, they are perfect snacks or full meals. Empanadas can be baked or fried, depending on your preferences, and are typically filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or a combination of those ingredients. The words “empanada” and “empada” are derived from Spanish and Portuguese languages and literally mean “wrapped in bread” or “wrapped in pastry.”
The History of Colombian Empanadas
Empanadas are believed to have originated from the Roman Empire. The Ensaïmada is a popular Majorcan sweet bread that was modified and became the Argentinian empanada. This heavily influenced the popular Colombian empanada.
Colombian empanadas are thought to have been introduced to the country by the Spanish colonizers. But, there are many variations on the Colombian empanadas outside of this traditional method, including the Argentinian, Bolivian, Chilean, Cuban, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Peruvian, and Puerto Rican versions. The main difference among the various different styles is the filling.
The Colombian Empanadas Filling
The filling for Colombian empanadas usually includes potatoes, beef, pork, and/or chicken. Colombian empanadas are commonly stuffed with ground meat covered in vinegar and cumin. You can also add corn, peas, and potatoes stewed in a mix of onions, garlic, achiote, bell peppers, and other spices as well as any salami for an extra protein boost.
The Recipe of Authentic Colombian Empanadas
Now that you know a little bit more about the history of Colombian empanadas and their typical filling, we can go on to making them. Here’s how you can make authentic Colombian empanadas from the comfort of your home:
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– ½ kg beef
– 1 large white onion
– 4 cloves of garlic
– Three potatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tomato, diced
– 1 tsp sodium
– black pepper, to taste
– 1 achiote cube
For the dough:
– three cups of the precooked corn flour
– ½ lemons, juiced
– 2 and ½ cups of water
– 1 tsp sodium
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
For the filling:
1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and brown a little.
3. Add the garlic and chopped tomato and allow to cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the cumin, paprika, and achiote, mix well.
5. Add the diced potatoes and let cook for 20 minutes, or until almost tender.
6. Add the meat and simmer until the meat is cooked through.
For the dough:
1. In a large bowl, combine the precooked corn flour, lemon juice, water, sodium, sugar, and butter. Mix until incorporated.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into small equal-sized balls.
5. Flatten each ball with your fingers or a roller to form a 6-inch circle.
Putting it all together
1. Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling on each piece of dough and fold in half.
3. Pinch the edges closed and twist to seal.
4. Fry the empanadas for 5 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
5. Serve immediately with some salsa for dipping.
In conclusion
Colombian empanadas are delicious treats that showcase the richness of the delightful Colombian culture. You can make them at home and experience the best Colombian flavors for yourself. I hope you enjoyed the recipe of authentic Colombian empanadas and that you will have the chance to give them a try!
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