Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies: Empanadas

Jun 07, 2023June 7, 20230 0
Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies
in Appetizer

Prep

20 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

40 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup warm water
1 lb browned ground beef or 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
1/2 medium onion , diced
1/2 green bell pepper , diced
3 garlic cloves , crushed
1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/8 cup sliced green olives
1 pinch salt and pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 package sazon goya with coriander and annatto
1 cup vegetable oil ( for frying )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
412
Sugar
1g
Fat
35g
Empanadas, also known as pastelillos in Puerto Rico, are a staple food in Latin America and Spain. These savory pastries are typically filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, or fruit, then deep-fried until crispy. They are commonly sold on the street by food vendors or made at home for parties and gatherings. Empanadas can be eaten alone as a snack, served as an appetizer, or paired with a salad or rice and beans for a more substantial meal.

Instructions

1.In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together.
2.Add vegetable oil and warm water, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
3.In a separate pan, sauté onions, green bell peppers, and garlic until the onions are translucent.
4.Add in the cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, cilantro, green olives, sazon goya seasoning, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
5.Preheat vegetable oil for frying in a separate deep pan.
6.Divide dough into small portions, and roll each one out into a circle.
7.Spoon a small amount of filling onto each circle, then fold the dough over and seal the edges together.
8.Fry the empanadas in the preheated oil, turning occasionally until golden brown on both sides.
9.Remove from oil and place on paper towels for draining excess oil.

PROS

Puerto Rican fried meat pies are crispy, flavorful, and great for on-the-go snacks or appetizers.

They are also extremely versatile and can be made with different types of fillings such as shrimp, cheese, or vegetables.

CONS

Fried empanadas can be high in calories and fat, and individuals with health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension should consume them in moderation.

Empanadas made with lard instead of vegetable oil is a traditional recipe, but the latter is healthier.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Puerto Rican fried meat pies are a good source of protein from the meat and phytochemicals from the cilantro and green olives.
However, moderation is advised due to its calorie content.
Frying foods in vegetable oil reduces the amount of unhealthy trans fats.
These empanadas contain essential fatty acids that help maintain cell structure and promote adequate hormone levels.

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