Empanadas, those delightful pockets of dough stuffed with a variety of fillings, are a true culinary treasure found across Latin America and beyond. Each bite into an empanada is a journey through rich traditions and bold flavors. Here are 12 empanadas you absolutely must try, each bringing its own unique twist to this beloved dish.
1. Classic Argentine Beef
The quintessential Argentine empanada is a flavor-packed delight. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky crust filled with seasoned ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, green olives, and sometimes raisins for a touch of sweetness. The spices—cumin and paprika—lend a warmth that perfectly complements the rich, savory filling. These empanadas are often baked to perfection, making them a slightly healthier option without sacrificing any flavor.
2. Chilean Cheese and Seafood
Chileans know how to bring the ocean to their empanadas. Picture a warm, flaky empanada bursting with gooey cheese and fresh seafood, such as shrimp or crab. The combination of melted cheese and tender seafood creates a luxurious texture that feels like a hug for your taste buds. Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro, and you have an empanada that’s both comforting and refreshing.
3. Colombian Beef and Potato
Colombian empanadas often feature a cornmeal dough that’s fried to crispy perfection. Inside, you’ll find a hearty filling of beef, potatoes, and spices. The slight sweetness of the corn dough contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. Dip these empanadas in a spicy ají sauce for an extra kick, and you’ve got a snack that’s as addictive as it is delicious.
4. Venezuelan Pabellón
Inspired by the national dish pabellón criollo, these empanadas are filled with shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains, and cheese. The sweet and savory combination is a taste sensation, with the plantains adding a caramelized richness that complements the hearty beef and creamy cheese. Encased in a crispy cornmeal crust, these empanadas are a tribute to Venezuelan comfort food.
5. Mexican Picadillo
Mexican picadillo empanadas feature a filling of ground beef cooked with tomatoes, onions, raisins, and green olives. The result is a sweet, salty, and slightly tangy filling that’s enveloped in a buttery, flaky pastry. These empanadas are often fried, giving them a satisfyingly crispy exterior that makes each bite a crunchy, flavorful explosion.
6. Peruvian Chicken
Peruvian empanadas often boast a unique blend of flavors, and the chicken version is a standout. The filling typically includes shredded chicken, onions, garlic, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and sometimes even a bit of spicy ají amarillo. The dough is tender and slightly sweet, making for a delicious contrast to the savory, spicy filling.
7. Cuban Guava and Cheese
For those with a sweet tooth, the Cuban guava and cheese empanada is a must-try. These empanadas combine the tart sweetness of guava paste with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all wrapped in a flaky pastry. They’re often baked until golden brown and are a perfect example of how empanadas can be just as delectable for dessert as they are for dinner.
8. Ecuadorian Green Plantain and Cheese
Ecuadorian empanadas de verde are made from green plantain dough, which gives them a unique texture and flavor. Filled with cheese, these empanadas are typically fried until crispy, resulting in a contrast between the slightly sweet plantain dough and the savory cheese filling. They’re a perfect snack or side dish, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee.
9. Brazilian Beef
Known as pastel, Brazilian empanadas are usually deep-fried and filled with a variety of ingredients. The beef version often includes ground beef seasoned with onions, garlic, and sometimes olives and raisins. The dough is thin and crispy, making each bite a delightful crunch followed by a burst of savory goodness.
10. Puerto Rican Picadillo
Puerto Rican empanadillas are filled with picadillo, a savory mixture of ground beef, sofrito, olives, and capers. The filling is rich and flavorful, thanks to the combination of spices and the unique taste of sofrito. These empanadas are typically fried, giving them a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling inside.
11. Filipino Chicken and Pineapple
A unique twist on traditional empanadas, the Filipino version often includes a sweet and savory filling of chicken, pineapple, and raisins. The dough is typically sweeter and more pastry-like, providing a delightful contrast to the tangy and savory filling. These empanadas are often baked, making them a perfect snack or light meal.
12. Galician Tuna
Originating from Galicia in Spain, these empanadas are filled with tuna, bell peppers, onions, and tomato sauce. The filling is rich and savory, with the tuna providing a hearty texture and the vegetables adding sweetness and tang. The dough is typically flaky and buttery, making these empanadas a satisfying and flavorful treat.
Each of these empanadas offers a unique taste of its region’s culinary traditions, showcasing the versatility and universal appeal of this beloved dish. Whether you prefer the hearty beef of Argentine empanadas or the sweet and savory combination of Cuban guava and cheese, there’s an empanada out there for everyone. So, embark on this delicious journey and discover your favorite empanada today!