Authentic Colombian Empanadas Recipe: A Taste of Tradition

Empanadas are a popular and traditional snack in Colombia. These delicious turnovers are made by filling a pastry with a savoury meat and vegetable filling, then deep-frying until golden. The cookery of empanadas dates back to indigenous Colombian culture, but these days empanadas are very much a part of the national cuisine. Their preparation is fairly consistent, with regional variations.

In Colombia, the most common type of empanada filling is made from cooked beef or pork, along with finely diced vegetables such as onions, bell peppers and tomatoes. Other popular fillings include mashed potatoes and cheese, as well as shrimp, chicken and chicharron (pork cracklings). The pastry is made from a dough of flour and water, shaped into small circles, then filled, folded and sealed.

Ingredients

The ingredients for a traditional Colombian empanada recipe include:

• 1½ cups of water
• 1 cup of cornflour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• ½ pound of cooked beef or pork, shredded
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 tomatoes, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• ⅓ cup of vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cornflour with the water and salt to form a dough.
Step 2: Knead the dough for about 5-10 minutes, until it is smooth and pliable.
Step 3: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Allow to rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions, bell pepper and tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
Step 5: Add the cooked beef or pork, along with the cumin, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Roll each ball of dough into a ⅛ inch thick circle.
Step 7: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the filling onto one half of the dough circle, then fold the other half over to enclose the filling. Use a fork to press the edges together to seal.
Step 8: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F. Fry the empanadas in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.

Serving

Traditional Colombian empanadas are best served warm, alongside a tangy salsa or hot sauce for dipping. They also make a great party food, as they are easy to eat and transport. Enjoy the authentic taste of Colombian culture with this traditional empanada recipe!