An empanada is a stuffed pastry popular in many Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino cuisines. The name comes from the Spanish word empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread.”
Basic Features:
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Dough: Made from wheat flour, sometimes cornmeal.
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Filling: Can be sweet or savory. Common fillings include:
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Savory: Beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables, or seafood.
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Sweet: Fruit jams, dulce de leche, or custard.
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Cooking method: Usually baked or fried.
Regional Variations:
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Argentina: Often filled with beef, hard-boiled egg, olives, and spices.
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Chile: Similar to Argentine empanadas but often larger.
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Philippines: Made with a slightly sweet dough, often filled with ground meat, raisins, and potatoes.
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Spain (Galicia): Large empanadas cut into slices, often with tuna or sardines.