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Do you know Empanadas Venezolanas? They are considered one of the most loved varieties of street foods which present the crispy, golden shell filled with richness. Imagine having one of the iconic bites and getting ready to plunge into a flavor world, whether it is shredded chicken, spicy beef, or gooey cheese. Very excited to bring home a piece of Venezuela? Let’s go with this recipe!
Explore the Tradition of Empanadas Venezolanas
Empanadas Venezolanas are not a dish; it is part of the heritage that Venezuela nourishes in the world. All these golden pockets filled with flavor, made of cornmeal dough and stuffed with any number of delicious fillings, are part of family gatherings, fairs, and close dinners in every household across Venezuela. They are growing in popularity in the U.S., being enlisted as one of the most delicious and diverse options that can be appetizer or main dish.
Really, the speciality is within the texture of the dough-crispy on the outside, tender within, but followed by screaming dipping sauces such as guasacaca or garlic sauce. Whether you are throwing a party, meal-prepping for the week, or craving something out of your kitchen, this recipe delivers. Let’s check out how to make those mouth-watering empanadas right from scratch!
A Taste of Home with Empanadas Venezolanas
As a kid, Empanadas Venezolanas was often the best treat my family had.As I woke up, I smelled freshly cooked dough and sizzling oil getting ready for Sunday breakfast. Every empanada was cooked with great attention, filling it with whatever leftovers—shredded chicken or well-seasoned beef—had been produced for the week.
The best part? Standing around in the kitchen with my siblings, excitedly waiting for the first batch to come out from the fryer. It still takes me back to those empanadas’ warm memories of togetherness and tradition. For events, they have become my go-to meal as they always starts a conversation and makes friends and relatives nostalgic grins. Making them at home is like passing on a small portion of my legacy to those I love.
Empanadas venezolanas: Your Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Cuisine: VenezuelanDifficulty: MediumServings
6
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
20
minutesCalories per empanada
250
kcalIngredients
- For the Dough:
2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (Harina P.A.N. or similar)
2 cups warm water
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil
- For the Filling:
1 cup shredded cooked chicken, beef, or cheese
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced bell pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
- For Frying:
Vegetable oil (enough to fill a frying pan about 2 inches deep)
Directions
- Prepare Dough:
- Combine cornmeal, warm water, salt, and oil in a large mixing bowl. Knead ingredients until smooth and pliable. Cover with damp towel and set aside.
- Make the Filling:
- In a frying pan, pour 1 tablespoon of oil and heat over medium heat. For 3 to 5 minutes, sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic cloves until softened. Add the suggested meat or cheese, cumin, and paprika. Stir well, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Leave to cool slightly.
- Shape the Empanadas:
- Take one portion of the dough and roll it into golf-ball sizes. Press between plastic wraps with your hand or rolling pin into circles while ensuring that you get a diameter of 5 inches.
- Fill and Seal:
- Spoon 1-2 tbsp of prepared filling at the center of the dough circle. Carefully fold dough over filling to make a half-moon. Press edges firmly to seal and decorate it using a fork for a crimp.
- Deep Fry Empanadas:
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and put over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry empanadas in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Let cool before serving the empanadas. You can enjoy them plain, or serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like guasacaca or garlic sauce.
Notes
- Try different fillings: Fill with black beans or plantains, or even ground meat and vegetables, for new flavor combinations.
- Uncooked empanadas can be frozen for up to three months. Lay them out on a parchment-lined tray, freeze, and transfer them when solid to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two for cooking time.
- Tips for success: Use warm water for the dough so that it stays soft and pliable. Do not overfill it, as this will cause it to break when frying. For healthier empanadas, bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes after brushing lightly with some oil for a crispy finish.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
Serving size 1 empanada (90g)
Calories 250
| Total Fat 12g | 15% |
|---|---|
| Saturated Fat 3.5g | 18% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 13% |
| Sodium 300mg | 13% |
| Total Carbohydrate 25g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Includes Added Sugars 0g | 0% |
| Protein 8g |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
|---|---|
| Calcium 30mg | 2% |
| Iron 1.2mg | 7% |
| Potassium 150mg | 4% |
FAQ
What do Empanadas Venezolanas have that makes them special from the other empanadas?
Their particularity is related to the fact that the empanadas are made from cornmeal dough, which gives them a different texture as well as a taste from those made of wheat flour. They are really gluten-free and fried to give a texture that is crispy and golden on the outside. The normal fillings are shredded chicken, beef, and cheese, perhaps paired with some delicious sauce like guasacaca.
Can I bake Empanadas Venezolanas instead of frying them?
You could bake it, of course, to make the dish healthier. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, lay the empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and brush them all over with a light coating of oil. Bake for around 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy in color. Baking will offer a different texture, but it’s still a nice way to enjoy it.
What are common fillings found in Empanadas Venezolanas?
Shredded chicken, spiced ground beef, and cheese are some of the classics. You can also do black beans, plantains, or even a mix of meats and vegetables. Play around and try Columbia empanadas-inspired fillings or add some Cuban empanada flavors to the mix.
What can make it soft and pliable dough for Empanadas Venezolanas?
Soft doughs can be made by mixing the cornmeal, salt, and oil in warm water. Knead the dough until it is very smooth and pliable. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while preparing the fillings to avoid drying. This ensures easy shape and seal at empanada
Can I freeze Empanadas Venezolanas to prepare them later?
Sure! Simply freeze the raw empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment until firm, and then transfer into an air-tight container or freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Either fry or bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What dips are best suited for Empanadas Venezolanas?
Guasacaca, a puree of avocados typical of Venezuela, is perhaps the most classic of all sauces. While delicious in its simplicity, a garlic sauce, spicy aioli or even a zesty salsa also does justice to the taste of these empanadas. With these sauces, empanadas seem irresistible to bury.
Why Empanadas Venezolanas Are Worth a Try?
Empanadas Venezolanas: These are more than food; they are an experience with flavors, traditions, and creativity. With their golden, crunchy shells and an endless variety of fillings, they are guaranteed to please anyone at the table. Whether recreating haunting family memories or exploring new and exciting taste, this recipe is the way to bring Venezuela’s heat into the home.
This recipe suggests an all initially gluten-free food that would please just about any crowd for any occasion. You personalize the fillings to your personal preference, making every bite something different. An irresistible new member of the family, the Empanadas Venezuelanas are complemented by alluring sauces like guasacaca or garlic dip.
So, what are you waiting for? Get everything ready, push up the sleeves, and treat yourself to this memorable dish. After trying such empanadas, one would never try to question the grounds for their worldwide fame. It’s time to create magic in the kitchen!
