Introduction
Empanada dough is a culinary staple in many Latin American countries, and you’ll find it served up in many other parts of the world, too. This versatile dough can be used to make savory or sweet empanadas, which are essentially stuffed pastries that are either baked or fried. Making the dough from scratch can seem challenging at first, but don’t let that intimidate you. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple techniques, you can make perfect empanada dough every time.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about making empanada dough. We’ll provide you with a complete step-by-step guide and explain the purpose of each ingredient. You’ll also learn how to shape, fold, and bake your empanadas. If you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll even introduce you to some variations on the traditional dough recipe. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before we get into the ingredients, let’s take a look at the basic steps for making empanada dough:
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add the liquid ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Knead the dough lightly until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness.
- Cut the dough into circles, squares, or other shapes as needed for your recipe.
- Add your filling and seal the empanadas.
- Bake or fry the empanadas according to your recipe.
- Serve and enjoy!
Now let’s look at each of these steps in more detail.
Ingredients
To make empanada dough, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup of cold water (or more as needed)
- 1 large egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)
Mixing and Kneading
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and sugar if using) in a large mixing bowl. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together into a shaggy ball. You may not need to use all of the water, so add it sparingly.
Dust your work surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead it gently until it’s smooth and elastic. You don’t want to over-knead the dough, or it will become tough and difficult to work with. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using.
Rolling Out the Dough
When you’re ready to use the dough, remove it from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. You can use a rolling pin or a tortilla press to flatten the dough into circles or squares. If you’re making mini empanadas, you can also use a cookie cutter to create bite-sized rounds.
Shaping and Folding
Once you’ve cut your dough into the appropriate shapes, it’s time to add your filling. Spoon a small amount of filling into the center of each round, leaving a bit of space around the edges. Fold the round over so that the edges meet and use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges together.
Baking or Frying
Finally, it’s time to cook your empanadas. You can either bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until they’re golden brown, or fry them in hot oil until they’re crispy and golden. If you choose to bake your empanadas, you can brush them with a beaten egg before baking to give them a shiny, golden finish.
That’s it! With these basic steps, you’ll be able to make delicious homemade empanada dough.
Ingredient-Focused
While empanada dough may seem simple enough, there’s actually a lot going on behind the scenes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ingredients and how they contribute to the final product.
Flour
The type of flour you use for your empanada dough will affect the texture of the finished product. All-purpose flour is the most commonly used type of flour for empanadas, but you can experiment with other types of flours, such as cornmeal or almond flour, for a different flavor and texture.
Salt
Salt adds flavor to the dough and helps to activate the gluten, which gives the dough its elasticity.
Sugar
Sugar is optional, but it can add a touch of sweetness to the dough, which works well with certain types of filling.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the dough, and it also helps to make the dough tender and flaky.
Water
Water is necessary to bring the dough together, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much water can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a number of variations on the traditional empanada dough recipe that you can try. Here are a few to get you started:
Whole-Wheat Empanada Dough
To make whole-wheat empanada dough, substitute half of the all-purpose flour in the recipe with whole-wheat flour. The result is a nutty, wholesome dough that’s perfect for savory fillings.
Gluten-Free Empanada Dough
If you’re gluten-free, you can still enjoy empanadas by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Some popular gluten-free flours for baking include almond flour, coconut flour, and oat flour.
Low-Carb Empanada Dough
If you’re watching your carbs, you can make a low-carb empanada dough by using a combination of almond flour and coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use cauliflower rice to create a low-carb crust.
Storytelling
Empanada dough has a long and rich history, and it plays an important role in many cultures around the world. In Latin America, empanadas are often associated with street food and are a popular snack or lunch food. In other parts of the world, such as Spain and Portugal, empanadas are more commonly served as a main course or as a party snack.
The filling for empanadas can vary depending on the region and the culture. In Argentina, the traditional filling is beef and onion, while in Chile, you’ll often find seafood or cheese fillings. In the Philippines, empanadas are filled with beef, potatoes, and green peas.
Regardless of where you go, you’ll find that empanadas are a beloved part of the local cuisine. In many places, empanadas are associated with family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions.
Video Instruction
If you’re a visual learner, you may find video tutorials to be especially helpful. There are many great videos available online that show you how to make empanada dough from start to finish. Look for videos that are clear and easy to follow, and that match the style of empanada you want to make.
Conclusion
Empanada dough is a versatile and delicious staple in many parts of the world. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to make perfect empanada dough every time. Whether you’re looking for a savory or sweet treat, there’s an empanada recipe out there for everyone.
