Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Empanadas are a beloved street food in Colombia, known for their crispy corn dough and savory fillings. These Authentic Colombian Empanadas are perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering, a casual snack, or a delightful appetizer at dinner. Their unique blend of flavors and textures makes them irresistible, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Filling: The combination of beef and potatoes creates a hearty filling that bursts with flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these empanadas ready in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course; they can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or having family over, these empanadas are sure to impress everyone.
• Crispy Texture: The corn dough provides a satisfying crunch that complements the soft filling beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation easier. Having everything on hand will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Cooking pot
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring consistent thickness for perfect empanadas.
• Skillet: Needed for frying the empanadas to achieve that desired crispy texture.
• Large mixing bowl: Useful for combining all filling ingredients without any mess.
• Cooking pot: Ideal for boiling the potatoes before mashing them for the filling.

Ingredients

Empanadas are a staple street food in Colombia. They are typically made with a crispy corn dough and filled with beef and potatoes.

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup Scallions (finely chopped)
• 1/3 cup Cilantro (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup Roma tomato (Diced, about 1/2 a tomato)
• 1/4 cup Frank’s red hot sauce (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/4 cup White vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper)
• 1 lb Steak (chuck)
• 3 Russet potatoes
• 1/2 cup Red onion (diced)
• 1/4 cup Red bell pepper (diced)
• 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Dough

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups Precooked corn meal (Harina PAN brand)
• 2 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Better than bouillon (Chicken bouillon)
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Neutral vegetable oil (I used avocado oil)

How to Make Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Begin by preparing the filling for your empanadas.

1. Boil the Russet potatoes until tender, then mash them in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a skillet, cook the steak until browned. Then chop it into small pieces.
3. Add scallions, cilantro, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, red onion, red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until combined.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Now it’s time to prepare the dough.

1. In another mixing bowl, combine precooked corn meal with water, salt, and chicken bouillon.
2. Knead until you form a soft dough. If it’s too sticky, add cornstarch gradually until you get the right consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Time to shape your empanadas!

1. Roll out portions of dough into circles about ¼ inch thick.
2. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
3. Fold over and seal by crimping edges with your fingers or fork.

Step 4: Fry the Empanadas

Finally, fry those delicious empanadas!

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place empanadas in hot oil; fry until golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Authentic Colombian Empanadas!

How to Serve Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Serving Authentic Colombian Empanadas is an opportunity to showcase their delicious flavors. These empanadas are perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a cozy dinner at home. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

Pair with Sauces

• Aji Sauce: This spicy and tangy sauce adds a traditional touch and enhances the flavor of the empanadas.
• Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that complements the crispy texture of the empanadas beautifully.
• Salsa Verde: A fresh and zesty green sauce that provides a nice contrast to the savory filling.

Enjoy with Sides

• Colombian Rice: Serve alongside fluffy rice to create a filling meal that balances well with the empanadas.
• Salad: A simple mixed greens salad can refresh your palate and add color to your plate.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains offer a delightful sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory empanadas.

Drinks to Accompany

• Agua de Panela: This traditional Colombian beverage made from panela (unrefined cane sugar) and water is sweet and refreshing.
• Colombian Beer: A light lager complements the meal without overpowering the flavors of the empanadas.

How to Perfect Authentic Colombian Empanadas

To make sure your Authentic Colombian Empanadas turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for vibrant flavors in your filling.
• Let Dough Rest: Allow your dough to rest after mixing; this will make it easier to work with later on.
• Seal Properly: Ensure each empanada is sealed tightly; this prevents any filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Achieve Golden Crispiness: Fry or bake until they reach a golden-brown color for best texture and taste.
• Experiment with Fillings: While beef and potato are classic, try adding cheese or different vegetables for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Pairing side dishes with your Authentic Colombian Empanadas can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Arepas: These cornmeal cakes are versatile and can be filled or topped with various ingredients for added flavor.
2. Choclo con Queso: Grilled corn on the cob served with cheese offers a sweet and savory combo that pairs nicely.
3. Yuca Fries: Crispy yuca fries provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of empanadas.
4. Mango Salad: A fresh salad made with mango, lime, and cilantro adds brightness and sweetness to balance the meal.
5. Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice creates a delightful contrast to the savory empanadas.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add crunch and freshness, making it an ideal accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Authentic Colombian Empanadas can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong dough: Ensure you use precooked corn meal (like Harina PAN) for the perfect crispy texture. Regular flour won’t give the same result.
• Overfilling: It’s tempting to add too much filling, but this can make sealing difficult. Stick to a tablespoon of filling per empanada.
• Not sealing properly: A poor seal leads to leakage during cooking. Press the edges firmly and consider crimping them with a fork for added security.
• Skipping seasoning: Make sure to season your beef and potatoes well. A pinch of salt and pepper can elevate the flavor significantly.
• Incorrect frying temperature: Frying at too low of a temperature can make the empanadas greasy. Aim for oil heated to around 350°F (175°C).

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Authentic Colombian Empanadas

• Place uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Authentic Colombian Empanadas

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place empanadas on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, place empanadas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but note they may not stay crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Cook empanadas for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Authentic Colombian Empanadas made of?

Authentic Colombian Empanadas are made from precooked corn meal filled with seasoned beef and potatoes, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

Can I customize the filling in Authentic Colombian Empanadas?

Yes! You can customize the filling with chicken, cheese, or vegetables based on your preferences.

How do I seal Authentic Colombian Empanadas properly?

To seal your empanadas, press the edges firmly together and crimp them with a fork to prevent leaking during cooking.

How long can I store Authentic Colombian Empanadas?

Cooked empanadas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Colombian Empanadas are not only delicious but also versatile. They make for great snacks or main dishes that everyone loves. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or dipping sauces to suit your taste!

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Authentic Colombian Empanadas

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 empanadas 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of making Authentic Colombian Empanadas, a beloved street food that captures the essence of Colombia’s rich culinary tradition. These savory pastries feature a crispy corn dough exterior filled with a hearty blend of seasoned beef and tender potatoes, creating a mouthwatering treat perfect for any occasion. Whether served as appetizers at a gathering or enjoyed as a satisfying snack, these empanadas are sure to impress with their unique flavor profile and satisfying crunch. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, you’ll find that creating these delicious empanadas at home is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb steak (chuck)
• 3 russet potatoes
• 2 cups precooked corn meal (Harina PAN)
• 1/2 cup scallions (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup cilantro (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: Boil potatoes until tender, then mash. Cook steak until browned and chop into small pieces. Combine with scallions, cilantro, spices, salt, and pepper in the mashed potatoes.
2. Make the dough: Mix corn meal with water, salt, and chicken bouillon. Knead until soft; adjust consistency with cornstarch if needed.
3. Assemble empanadas: Roll dough into circles, fill with mixture, fold over and seal edges.
4. Fry empanadas: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry until golden brown on both sides.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Colombian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg