Colombian Empanadas
This delightful Colombian Empanada recipe draws inspiration from Colombia’s diverse and vibrant culinary tradition. Known for their crisp, golden crust and savory fillings, these empanadas offer a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite. Served as a snack or appetizer, they encapsulate the warmth and richness of Colombian culture.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups cornmeal precooked, yellow for authenticity
- 2 cups warm water as needed for dough consistency
- 1 pinch salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef grass-fed preferred
- 1 cup potatoes peeled, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- ½ cup tomatoes diced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of precooked cornmeal with a pinch of salt. Gradually add 2 cups of warm water, mixing with your hands until the dough is smooth and pliable. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned. Add the diced potatoes, tomatoes, ground cumin, and salt. Cook until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld together, roughly 15 minutes.
- Assemble the Empanadas: Divide the dough into eight equal portions and flatten each portion into a 5-inch circle. Place 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, sealing the edges by pressing firmly. Crimp with a fork for a decorative edge.
- Fry the Empanadas: Heat the remaining vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each empanada until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- If you'd like a spicier filling, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the empanadas at 200°C (392°F) until golden brown.
Nutrition
Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 14gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 341mgPotassium: 411mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 3mg
We'd love to know if you enjoyed this recipeRate this Recipe !
