April 8 National Empanada Day #NationalEmpanadaDay

Good morning, welcome to April 8th National Empanada Day #NationalEmpanadaDay. I remember the first time I have Empanadas which was at on The Border and I sure wish I could go to lunch there today. I have a question for you. Do you like Empanada’s? If so Beef, Pork or Chicken or even Veggie Empanada’s?

Even if you’ve never had the opportunity to try a Empanada, there’s a good chance you’ve had one of their cousins. Originally from Galicia, Spain, Empanadas now exist in over 30 countries in some shape or form. The name comes from “empanar”, which means “to bread” in Spanish and Portuguese. Some historians argue that the true meaning is “Can I have another?” That might not be a historical fact, but we can keep the spirit alive when National Empanada Day comes rolling in waiting to be celebrated.

An Empanada is a type of fried or baked Pastry with Spanish origins. The name Empanada is derived from the Spanish term ‘empanar,’ which literally translates to ‘enbreaded,’ meaning coated in Bread. The dough or Bread used for making Empanadas is stuffed with tasty fillings of meat, vegetables, and in some cultures, fruit. Empanada’s is also popular in Latin American and Southern European countries.

The exact origins of Empanadas are linked to Portugal and Galicia (Spain.) The Pastry made its first appearance during the Moorish invasions in Medieval Iberia. In 1520, a cookbook featuring Catalan, Arabian, French, and Italian food had Seafood-filled Empanadas listed as one of its recipes. It is widely believed that Empanadas and its similar cousin, the Calzone, are both inspired by Samosas a triangular-shaped Pie popular in Arab and South Asian cultures.  

In Portugal and Spain, Empanadas are prepared by cutting a large Pie into pieces, so that it can be enjoyed on the go. Portuguese and Galician Empanada fillings include Sardines, Tuna, other types of Seafood, and sometimes Pork, in a sauce prepared from Tomatoes and Garlic.

NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Sometimes it’s best to leave things to the professionals. This is especially true if your area has a thriving Latin American or Caribbean community. Even if your community doesn’t, there’s no reason to fear just visit a place that offers Fried Pie.
2. Make Your Own Empanadas at home. When looking for a recipe there isn’t anything to say that you can’t experiment and add your own fillings.

FACTS ABOUT EMPANADAS

1. Every region of Argentina has its own version of Empanadas.
2. In Argentina, Empanadas are served as a starter or main course at get-togethers and parties.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY

1. Empanadas are the perfect finger food and they come wrapped in an edible, flaky container, which means you don’t need pesky utensils.
2. Most people are aware of the Meat and Cheese variety, but you can stuff Empanadas with pretty much anything.
3. More than 30 Countries have their own version of Empanadas, so you’re bound to find one that fits your taste.

Recipe for Beef Empanadas

Prep Time: 45 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Additional Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins

Servings: 12

Yield: 36 empanadas

Ingredients

Filling:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound yellow onions, chopped
• 6 scallions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon butter, or as needed
• 36 empanada pastry discs
• 1 egg white, beaten

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions, scallions, and bell pepper. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Add ground beef, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper, and cumin to the pot. Cook and stir beef until no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, then cover and place in the refrigerator until meat is completely cooled, about 1 hour.
3. Remove filling from the refrigerator and transfer to a colander to drain. Return filling to the Dutch oven.
4. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Liberally grease a baking sheet with butter.
5. Place about 2 tablespoons filling into the center of empanada disk. Fold empanada in half into a crescent shape, press the edges of dough together with a fork or your fingers to seal, and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining empanadas and filling. Brush tops with egg white.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates