Dear Lykkers are you ready to enjoy a culinary journey to Colombia?

Colombian empanadas are a delightful finger food, perfect for any occasion.

These crispy, golden pockets are stuffed with a savory filling, making them a favorite snack or appetizer.

Let’s dive into the world of Colombian empanadas and learn how to make them at home!

Ingredients

To make authentic Colombian empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

- 2 cups of yellow cornmeal (masa harina)

- 2 1/2 cups of water

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

- 1 pound of shredded chicken

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, water, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a cotton damp cloth and let it rest. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.

2. Make the Filling:

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic, onion, and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes. When the vegetables are soft and fragrant add the shredded chicken, and cook until browned and fully cooked.

Stir in the diced potatoes, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. When finished set everything aside to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Empanadas:

Take a small ball of dough and flatten it into a disk about 4-5 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the disk. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

4. Fry the Empanadas:

Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes per side).

You just need to remove the empanadas and drain them on paper towels. Here they are! Get ready for this amazing and deep journey to Columbian flavors.

Make it Your Own

Colombian empanadas are versatile and can be customized with various fillings, let's see some traditional twists and some new surprising tastes!

Traditional suggestions:

- A classic combo that’s always a hit: Cheese and minced meat. Cook the minced meat, bell pepper, and onion in a pan with a little oil until the vegetables are soft, then let it cool slightly and mix in the shredded cheese.

- A vegetarian option packed with flavor: Black beans and rice. In a bowl, combine the cooked black beans, rice, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, then mix well and use this mixture to fill the empanadas.

Unique twists:

- For a coastal Colombian flair: Shrimp and avocado. After cooking the shrimp cool them down slightly, then chop them into small pieces and add them to a bowl, with diced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Fill the empanadas with the mixture.

- An unexpected but delicious pairing: Plantain and chorizo. Combine the cooked chorizo, sautéed onions, and fried plantains in a bowl. Add some ground cumin and mix everything, then fill the empanadas.

- A sweet and savory twist: Duck and pineapple. First cook the duck with garlic, onion, and bell peppers. When the duck becomes brownish stir in the diced pineapple, soy sauce, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Finally, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the mixture is well combined and the flavors meld together.

Nutritional Benefits

Empanadas can be a balanced meal if prepared with nutritious fillings for you, your children, or even for a party with friends.

Using lean meats, plenty of vegetables, and whole cornmeal can increase fiber and protein intake while keeping fat content moderate.

Note that you can just bake the empanada (as they do in Spain) for a healthier alternative.

Making Colombian empanadas at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Try to experiment with different ingredients and make these delicious pockets of joy truly your own.

Enjoy your culinary adventure! Happy cooking, Lykkers!