Empanada
Overview
An Empanada is a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling, common in Southern European, Latin American, and the Philippines cultures. The name comes from the Spanish verb 'empanar', meaning to wrap or coat in bread. Empanadas are made by folding dough over a filling, which may consist of meat, cheese, corn, or other ingredients.
History
Empanadas have their origins in Galicia (Spain) and Portugal. They first appeared in medieval Iberia during the time of the Moorish invasions. A cookbook published in Catalan in 1520, the "Libre del Coch" by Robert de Nola, mentions empanadas filled with seafood among its recipes of Catalan, Italian, French, and Arabian food. In turn, it is believed that empanadas and the similar calzones are both derived from the Middle Eastern pastries like the samosa and the Cornish pasty.
Preparation
The dough for empanada is usually made with wheat flour, and beef or chicken broth is used to enhance flavor in the dough. For the filling, a variety of ingredients may be used, depending on local foods and customs. In Spain, empanadas are usually large and circular, and are cut into pieces for consumption, whereas in South America and the Philippines, empanadas are normally small and semi-circular, and are served as individual pastries.
Variations
There are many regional variations of empanadas, influenced by culture and available ingredients. For example, in Argentina, empanadas are often served at parties as a starter or main course, and the dough is often flavored with paprika. In the Philippines, empanadas are made with a slightly sweet, orange-colored dough, filled with meat, potatoes, and carrots. In the United States, empanadas are often found in Cuban restaurants and have been growing in popularity in street food.
Cultural Significance
Empanadas are a staple food in many countries and are a part of traditional celebrations. In Argentina, National Empanada Day is celebrated on April 8. In the United States, National Empanada Day is celebrated on April 8th. They are also a common snack and appetizer in the Philippines, especially during festive occasions and parties.