Puerto Rican Empanadas (Empanadillas)
Empanadas, with their flaky crusts enveloping flavorful fillings, have become an iconic representation of Latin American cuisines. In Puerto Rico, these savory pastries tell tales of generations, of family gatherings, and of the island's rich culinary blend. Dive into this authentic recipe and let your taste buds embark on a Puerto Rican adventure.
Please Rate this Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
- Rolling Pin
- Circular dough cutter or large rimmed glass
- Frying pan
- slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cold water or as needed
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil plus more for frying
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ bell pepper diced
- ½ pound ground beef or pork
- 1 tsp Sazón seasoning
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- 10 green olives chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead briefly until smooth, then let rest for 20 minutes.2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, ¼ cup cold water
- In the skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil and sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 small onion, 2 cloves garlic, ½ bell pepper
- Add the ground meat to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, stir in Sazón, tomato sauce, olives, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.½ pound ground beef or pork, 1 tsp Sazón seasoning, 2 tbsp tomato sauce, 10 green olives, Salt and pepper
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using the dough cutter or glass, cut out 10 circles.
- Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each circle. Fold in half to create a semi-circle and crimp edges using a fork.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in the frying pan over medium heat. Fry empanadas in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Empanadas can be filled with various ingredients; feel free to experiment with cheese, chicken, or even seafood.
- For a healthier version, empanadas can be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
Nutrition
Serving: 80gCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 290mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Did You Like This Recipe?Take a picture and mention us on Pintrest @HispanicFoodNetwork or tag it with #hispanic_food_network! Don't forget to subscribe to our email list for more recipes!