Empanadas De Viento Recipe: Easy And Delicious Guide

If you’ve ever wandered through the vibrant markets of Ecuador or Peru, you might have stumbled upon a delightful snack called Empanadas de Viento. Literally translated as “empanadas of wind,” these airy, crispy turnovers are a beloved treat, often enjoyed as street food or a light appetizer.

What makes them truly special is their puffed, almost hollow interior, achieved by the perfect balance of dough and frying technique. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Latin American cuisine or simply looking to try something new and exciting, empanadas de viento offer a uniquely satisfying crunch with a warm, cheesy center that melts in your mouth.

This recipe is straightforward, fun to make, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic introduction to homemade empanadas if you’re new to making dough and frying snacks.

Perfect for snack time or a festive gathering, these empanadas will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Empanadas de viento are not just delicious; they’re an experience. The magic lies in their light, crispy exterior and the gooey cheese inside that bursts with flavor as you bite into them.

Unlike heavier fried snacks, these empanadas feel light and airy, making them the perfect indulgence without the heaviness.

This recipe uses minimal ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry, making it accessible for all skill levels. Plus, frying these empanadas is surprisingly easy once you get the hang of it.

They are also incredibly versatile—you can tweak the filling to your liking, adding herbs, spices, or even a touch of heat.

And if you love exploring more plant-based recipes, be sure to check out our Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals for more inspiration!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or oregano for added flavor

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Circle cutter or a large cup (about 5 inches diameter)
• Heavy-bottomed frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels for draining
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients together to distribute the baking powder evenly.
2. Add oil and water: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the vegetable oil and warm water gradually. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This rest period helps the dough relax and makes rolling easier.
4. Prepare the filling: While the dough rests, shred or cut your mozzarella cheese into small pieces. If you like, mix in the chopped herbs for a fresh flavor boost.
5. Roll and cut the dough: After resting, roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using your circle cutter or a large cup, cut out circles approximately 5 inches in diameter.
6. Fill the empanadas: Place a spoonful of cheese in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the empanadas to burst during frying.
7. Seal the empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp the edges with a fork to ensure a good seal. This helps trap the “wind” or air inside during frying.
8. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for best results to maintain the right temperature.
9. Fry the empanadas: Carefully place a few empanadas at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. The puffing is what gives these empanadas their signature “wind” effect.
10. Drain and serve: Remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Make sure your oil temperature is consistent. Too hot, and the empanadas will brown too quickly without puffing; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Variation: For a savory twist, add finely chopped cooked onions, diced peppers, or even a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese filling for an extra kick.

Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix, but note the texture might be slightly different.

For more easy and delicious snack ideas, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Empanadas de viento are best enjoyed hot and fresh, straight from the fryer. Serve them with a side of ají sauce or a simple salsa verde for a zesty contrast.

A light salad with citrus vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of the cheese filling.

For a beverage pairing, try a crisp white wine or a refreshing cold beer. They also make fantastic appetizers for parties or a fun addition to your next movie night.

You can even serve them alongside other Latin-inspired dishes like Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for a full festive spread.

Conclusion

Empanadas de viento are a delightful snack that brings a little magic to your kitchen with their airy texture and melty cheese filling. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to explore authentic Latin American flavors without fuss or complicated ingredients.

Whether you’re making them for a casual snack or a festive gathering, these empanadas are sure to impress.

With simple steps and flexible variations, you can easily customize the fillings to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to create your own signature empanada.

And for those who love diverse, wholesome meals, our collection of recipes like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping offers plenty of inspiration for every occasion.

So, roll up your sleeves, heat that oil, and enjoy making these irresistible Empanadas de Viento right at home!

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