Empanadas
Cuba is an island nation located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and flavorful cuisine. One popular dish that is truly representative of the delicious Cuban cuisine is the empanada. Empanadas are savory, stuffed pastries that are baked or fried, and are found in a variety of Latin American countries. In Cuba, they are a staple of street food and can be enjoyed as a snack or a main meal.
The word empanada comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” which means to coat or wrap in bread. The dough for the empanada is made from a combination of flour, water, and sometimes egg and butter, and is rolled into circles or squares to create the pastry shell. The filling for the empanada can be made from a variety of ingredients, but some of the most popular fillings in Cuba are ground beef, chicken, or ham, mixed with spices such as cumin, garlic, and oregano. Other fillings may include cheese, vegetables, or seafood.
One of the most popular types of empanada in Cuba is the empanada de carne, or meat empanada. This delicious pastry is filled with a mixture of ground beef, onion, garlic, and tomato, along with a variety of spices and seasonings. The filling is then wrapped in a thin layer of dough and fried until golden brown and crispy. Empanadas can also be baked in the oven, providing a healthier option.
Empanadas are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or as a main meal. They are perfect for on-the-go eating and make great picnic or party food. Empanadas are a common food found at festivals and fairs throughout Cuba, where they are sold by street vendors or at food stalls. They are an essential part of Cuban cuisine and are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Making empanadas at home is a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to experiment with different fillings and spices, and create a dish that is truly unique. The empanada dough is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. The filling can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use. Once you have all your ingredients prepared, it’s just a matter of filling the pastry shells, folding them over, and either baking or frying them until golden brown and crispy.
In conclusion, Cuban empanadas are a delicious and popular dish that represents the diverse and flavorful Cuban cuisine. From festivals to street vendors, empanadas can be found throughout Cuba and are enjoyed by people of all ages. Making empanadas at home is a fantastic way to experiment with different fillings and spices, and create a dish that is uniquely your own. So, why not try making these delicious pastry pockets for yourself and see what all the fuss is about?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 tsp of salt
- 4 oz of butter cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup of cold water
- 1/2 cup of diced cooked ham
- 1/2 cup of diced cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup of diced cooked pork
- 1/2 cup of diced onions
- 1/2 cup of diced green pepper
- 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tsp of ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions:
-
Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the butter and mix with your fingers until you have a crumbly mixture.
-
Gradually add the cold water until the mixture comes together into a smooth dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes.
-
Place the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C.
-
In a large bowl, mix the ham, chicken, pork, onions, green pepper, tomatoes, garlic, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out 4-inch circles with a cookie cutter.
-
Spoon 1-2 tbsp of the meat mixture onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
-
Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each empanada with the beaten egg.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve hot. Enjoy!