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Warm, sun-drenched, with blue seas and intoxicating tequila – that's what tourists often say about Mexico. However, are those enough to describe Mexico, when agricultural products like corn, beans, tomatoes, and red peppers – the very things that make up the country's delicious cuisine – are so abundant?
Mexican cuisine has always been considered a vibrant dance of colors and flavors, an irresistible allure stemming from its spicy notes, captivating diners with its impressive traditional dishes. And for many tourists, even locals and culinary experts, Empanadas hold a unique appeal.
Empanadas are a type of deep-fried pastry filled with chicken, beef, or cheese. Mexicans can eat them at any meal of the day, but they are the perfect snack for family gatherings. The appeal of this pastry lies in the richness of the meat, blended with the subtle aroma of cinnamon, and delicately complemented by chopped vegetables.
Empanadas come in many variations around the world, such as the English and Cornwall versions of dumplings and stuffed pastries, the Polish Pierogi, and the Brazilian Pastel version. Empanadas themselves can be savory for a main course, sweet for dessert, or enjoyed with coffee and afternoon tea. They can be eaten on their own or dipped in sauce (Argentinian chimichurri sauce is the most commonly used).
Most people who have tasted Empanadas agree that they are quite easy to make; you just need to prepare the filling, knead it, roll it in dough, and fry it until golden brown.
For the pastry crust, you also have many different options, from wheat flour to cornstarch, potato flour, or even sweet potato flour. The choice of flour and baking time depends on whether you want to bake or fry the pastry.
Not only are Empanadas easy to make, but they are also incredibly versatile, offering a wide variety of flavors and ingredients, allowing both cooks and diners to choose their preferred taste, whether savory or sweet. You can choose traditional Empanadas or modern variations with flavors you create yourself, drawing on endless inspiration and personal touch.
Text: Thu Nguyen Photos: Various authors
