Homemade Empanadas Recipe

When it comes to sharing, in some Caribbean and South American countries, empanadas are always present. It’s just that they are very easy to prepare, tasty, and don’t take long to be ready. There are many types available so they can be easily adapted. So you have no excuse not to give this homemade empanada recipe a try.

Compared to traditional empanadas, this version has few differences. Size, serving and cooking time change the dimensions of this delicious appetizer just a little. In other words, they are the ‘mini’ presentation of the traditional ones. It should be noted that they can be accompanied with homemade garlic, onion or any other cream sauces.

They are usually stuffed with minced meat or chicken, but as with salads, in this respect they are a blank canvas. That is, you can fill them with whatever you want. You can also fry them with a little oil in a pan or prepare them in the oven; you will find that they will retain their distinctive flavor.

In fact, they are a food with a lot of calories and proteins,  but the way of cooking will make the recipe more or less healthy. It will all depend on the quality of the ingredients and the way of cooking.

How to make homemade empanadas recipe

You might think: It takes a lot of work to entertain some friends. I better buy some snacks. From a pragmatic point of view, you can save a lot of minutes, but it’s not so good when it comes to health.

You’ve probably read that most prepackaged snacks are packed with processed fats and the harmful monosodium glutamate. An essential component that, to put it in a nutshell, makes you feel pleasure when ingesting it.

Furthermore, the most important reason for choosing this homemade empanadas recipe is that all the ingredients will be in front of your eyes and you will be responsible for what you consume.

In this sense, the proverb we all know, “you are what you eat”, stands and serves as an example. And please forget the myths about occasionally consuming some kind of animal protein or fatty sauces. Remember, it all comes down to the portion size you eat.

So, now that you know all the pros and cons (if you want to see it that way) you’ll find in this delicious recipe, it’s time to head to the kitchen and take a few minutes to make the appetizer that will receive much praise.

Keep in mind that this homemade empanada recipe is much better with sunflower oil. However, if you are one of those people who prefer the oven to the pan, don’t worry; you can try this other recipe with a single click.

Ingredients

• 1 red tomato (110 g).
• 1 tablespoon of salt (25 g).
• 1/2 red pepper (60 g)
• 3 cups of water (400 ml).
• 2 medium onions (150 g).
• 6 cups with minced meat (600 g).
• 5 cups of cornmeal (500 g).
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (90 ml).
• 1 tablespoon unsalted margarine (25 g).
• 2 tablespoons of powdered cumin (50 g).

Instruments

• 1 wooden roll
• 2 glass containers
• Pan

Preparation

• The first thing you need to do is start by washing all your vegetables very well. Then do the same with the minced meat. Drain everything very well and set aside.

• Once the previous step has been completed, you will cut the onion, tomato and pepper. Preferably in very small pieces.
• Then, in a pan, saute the vegetables using the margarine spoon.
• Immediately afterwards, it will be time to introduce the minced meat with salt and powdered cumin, not forgetting to mix everything very well. You should leave it on medium heat for 5 minutes.
• Now it’s the dough’s turn. To make it, you will need a medium bowl. Pour in water, cornmeal and a pinch of salt to taste.
• What remains is to mold it with your hands until you have a homogeneous, malleable and consistent mass.
• It’s time to take the wooden rolling pin and a handful of dough and open it to make the base you’re going to fill the empanadas with.
• Finally, fold in half and seal all edges with your fingertips or using a fork. Just heat a pan with the tablespoons of oil, brown both sides and you’re done.

• Enjoy your homemade empanadas alone or with a touch of sauce (whichever you like best). Enjoy your food!