National Dish Colombia: Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Empanadas, one of Colombia’s best-loved bites! These savoury little pastry pockets are packed with flavour and can be filled with tender meat, fresh vegetables or melting cheese. Their sheer versatility makes them the ideal snack for any occasion, from a laid-back get-together with friends to a festive spread. Best of all, they are wonderfully simple to make, so you can bring a taste of Colombia to your own table in next to no time.
About Empanadas
Empanadas are an essential part of Colombian cooking and are hugely popular far beyond their homeland. These hearty pastry pockets can be prepared with a whole range of fillings, from tender meat and fresh vegetables to cheese. Their versatility makes them an ideal snack for every occasion, whether it is a casual meeting with friends or a celebratory meal. They are also easy to prepare, so you can serve up a little piece of Colombia in no time at all.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g flour
- 125 ml water
- 1 egg
- 200 g meat (e.g. minced beef or chicken)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for empanadas are easy to find and available in most supermarkets or specialist food shops. If you are using fresh meat, look for good quality and consider a local butcher. Spices and fresh vegetables are just as easy to source and help make the dish even tastier. For an authentic result, it is worth choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients so you preserve the unique flavour of the empanadas. A scoop of homemade Hogao Sauce alongside is well worth picking up the extra tomatoes and spring onions for.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking the empanadas, it is important to prepare all the ingredients well. That means chopping or mincing the meat, dicing the onion and garlic, and having all your spices ready to go. This makes the cooking process more efficient and ensures you do not forget a thing. A well-organised kitchen is the key to a delicious dish that you will be proud to serve.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a pan, fry the onion and garlic in a little oil until golden brown.
- Add the meat and cook it through thoroughly. Season with cumin, salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, make a dough from the flour, water and egg and knead it well.
- Roll out the dough and cut out circles using a glass or a round cutter.
- Place a little filling in the centre of each circle, moisten the edges and fold them together.
- Fry the empanadas in hot oil until golden brown.
- Drain the finished empanadas on kitchen paper and serve hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the empanadas, you can use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking instead of white flour. You can also choose easily digestible ingredients for the filling, such as rice or quinoa in place of meat. If you are lactose intolerant, be sure to use lactose-free products such as lactose-free cheese or plant-based alternatives. That way you can make sure that people with specific dietary needs can enjoy the empanadas too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan and vegetarian versions of the empanadas are every bit as tasty as the traditional fillings. Instead of meat you could use a mixture of pulses, such as chickpeas or black beans, together with spices and fresh vegetables. A filling of spinach and feta, or a mix of different mushrooms, also makes an excellent alternative. Experiment with different flavours to create your perfect plant-based empanadas! The same beans work beautifully in a hearty bowl of Frijoles Con Carne.
More tips and tricks
To make your empanadas even tastier, you can serve them with a variety of dips or sauces. An avocado dip, spicy salsa or even a lovely garlic sauce all make excellent companions. It is worth making sure the empanadas take on a crisp, golden-brown finish before serving — a sure sign that they are perfectly cooked. Remember not to overfill the empanadas when frying, so that they cook evenly throughout.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The empanadas lend themselves wonderfully to personal preference. You can try different types of meat, vegetables or spices to change the recipe to suit your taste. Add your favourite cheese or use new combinations of spices to create imaginative fillings. Whether you keep it classically simple or go for a modern interpretation, both go down equally well with friends and family!
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have some ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives that let you make your empanadas anyway. Use tortillas instead of dough, for example, for a quicker version, or peas instead of meat for a vegan filling. Rice or potatoes can also make a lovely base for the filling — the same starchy comfort you will find in crisp Patacones. Making creative use of seasonal vegetables not only keeps the recipe varied but also more sustainable.
Drink pairing ideas
For an authentic Colombian experience, I recommend pairing the empanadas with a refreshing drink such as aguapanela or a traditional Colombian lemonade — a chilled glass of Lulada is a lovely choice. A good glass of red wine or a cold beer can also complement the flavours of the empanadas beautifully. Experiment with different combinations to find out what you like best. Drinks should support and highlight the flavour of the food.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can hugely enhance the enjoyment of the empanadas. Serve them on a colourful plate and add a few fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley, as a garnish. Arranging different dips in small bowls adds variety and invites everyone to dig in. A nice table setting rounds off the meal and creates a welcoming atmosphere for your guests.
A bit of history
The empanadas have a rich history that stretches back to antiquity. They were originally inspired by the Iberians and Arabs, who brought similar filled pastries into their culinary traditions. In Colombia they are a sign of hospitality and are often served at celebrations and festivals. Each region has its own version and filling, which underlines the diversity and cultural significance of this dish and of Colombian cuisine as a whole.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empanadas
A little piece of Colombia on your plate — the empanadas are not only delicious but also versatile and adaptable. Whether filled with meat, vegetables or vegan alternatives, they are always a hit. They work perfectly as a snack or a main course and pair wonderfully with the right dips and drinks. Let them inspire you and bring a touch of Colombian flair to your own kitchen!
