Empanada Recipe

Empanadas are a well-loved food that has reached many parts of the world from the land of Spain. This has brought to life many different modifications that best suited the tastes and culture of the originating country and have been enjoyed ever since up until today. We have chicken empanadas, vegetable empanadas, and even apple empanadas! You can only imagine the wide range of variants that have developed over the decades. Even so, it remains most refreshing to go back to the classic and enjoy a simple yet delicious dish.

Here’s an easy empanada recipe specialized for the Filipino palate!

Ingredients

Dough 

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

1/2 tsp salt 

1/2 cup cold butter, diced 

1 egg 

1/3 cup cold water 

1 tbsp vinegar

Filling 

• 1 tbsp oil 
• 1 small onion, chopped 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1/2 lb ground pork or beef 
• 1 small potato, diced 
• 1 small carrot, diced 
• 1/4 cup green peas 
• 1/4 cup raisins 
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced 
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced 
• 1 tbsp soy sauce 
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce 
• 1 tsp paprika Salt and pepper to taste 
• 1 beaten egg (for brushing)

Preparation

Dough

35 minutes

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. 
2. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 
3. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, water, and vinegar. Add to the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms. 
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Filling

20 minutes

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add onions and garlic, and cook until softened. Add ground pork or beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. 
3. Stir in potatoes, carrots, green peas, raisins, red bell pepper, and green olives. Cook for a few minutes. 
4. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender. Let cool.

Assembling

35 minutes

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. 
3. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges. 
4. Place empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg. 
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

For the best Filipino-style empanadas, check out Dingras Empanada! It currently offers six different variants, each having a completely distinct flavor compared to the others – some tangy, some cheesy, some savory; you will surely find what suits your liking!