Empanadas Spanish Recipe: Easy Authentic Homemade Guide

Empanadas are a beloved staple in Spanish cuisine, cherished for their crispy, golden crust and flavorful fillings. Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, these delightful pastries are perfect as snacks, appetizers, or even a main course.

Whether filled with savory meats, vegetables, or cheeses, empanadas offer a versatile and satisfying culinary experience that brings a touch of Spain to your kitchen. This traditional Spanish empanada recipe is easy to follow and will have you enjoying homemade empanadas in no time.

They are perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a cozy meal at home.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the authentic Spanish empanada recipe, including the best tips for making the dough, preparing the filling, and baking these treats to perfection. Plus, I’ll share some creative variations and serving ideas to suit all tastes.

So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the world of Spanish empanadas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This empanada recipe stands out because it combines a flaky, buttery pastry with a rich, savory filling. The dough is tender yet sturdy enough to hold generous fillings without falling apart.

Plus, the filling incorporates classic Spanish flavors like smoky paprika, olives, and tender meat or vegetables that are slow-cooked to perfection.

Empanadas are incredibly versatile, so you can customize the filling depending on your preference—whether you’re a meat lover, vegetarian, or looking for a vegan alternative. They also make fantastic make-ahead meals and freeze beautifully for busy days.

Best of all, this recipe is accessible for home cooks of all levels, using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Once you try these empanadas, you’ll find yourself craving them again and again!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 egg
• ¾ cup cold water
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• For the Filling:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 pound ground beef or shredded cooked chicken (optional for vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• ½ cup green olives, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet
• Fork (for sealing edges)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat the egg with the cold water and vinegar. Gradually pour the liquid into the flour mixture, stirring gently until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead and Chill: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to rest.
4. Prepare the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Add Meat and Spices: Add the ground beef or shredded chicken to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer with Tomatoes and Olives: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the sliced green olives and adjust seasonings if needed. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Roll Out Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 6 inches in diameter on a floured surface.
8. Fill and Fold: Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.
9. Apply Egg Wash: Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden color when baked.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
11. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let empanadas cool slightly. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To prevent soggy empanadas, make sure your filling is not too watery. Drain excess liquid before filling the dough.

Variation: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese or try lentils and roasted vegetables for a hearty filling.

Tip: Freeze unbaked empanadas on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Empanadas are fantastic served warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with a fresh salad or some Spanish rice for a complete meal.

A dollop of tangy aioli or a side of salsa adds an extra layer of flavor. For a fun tapas-style dinner, serve several varieties together with olives, manchego cheese, and a glass of Spanish red wine.

If you want to explore more delicious and easy recipes, check out these favorites:

• Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping
• Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious
• Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious

Conclusion

Making traditional Spanish empanadas at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. With a flaky, buttery dough and a savory, well-seasoned filling, these pastries bring the authentic taste of Spain to your table.

Once you master this classic recipe, you can experiment with countless fillings and flavors to suit any occasion or dietary preference.

Empanadas are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and their portability makes them ideal for picnics, lunches, or snacks. Whether you stick to the traditional meat filling or try a vegetarian or vegan alternative, this recipe offers a solid foundation for countless variations.

Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite comfort food!

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