Empanadas Colombianas

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of flour
  • 2 cups of warm water
  • 2 teaspoons of food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • ½ cup of filling*
  • Transparent plastic foil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Serving Size: 10-12
  • Cook time: 45 Minutes

Known since colonial times, empanadas are a traditional dish typical of the cuisine of Spanish speaking countries. Thanks to their relatively homogenous character, they’ve become a staple of the Colombian gastronomy. They are small in size, can have a wide variety of fillings, and are fried in oil. Colombian empanadas are the ideal appetizer for group meals, shared with friends and family.

Preparation

  1. Add the flour, a little salt, the food coloring and the cumin in a bowl
  2. Add water little by little to obtain a homogeneous mixture
  3. Place the plastic foil on top of a cutting board
  4. Form a small ball, cover it with plastic foil and crush it with another board or a plate
  5. Put some of the filling* in the center of the dough
  6. Fold in half and work the edges
  7. Cut the empanada in a half moon shape with a glass
  8. Cook the empanadas in the oven at 375o F for 15 minutes.
  9. Serve with chili or salsa

 

* The filling is prepared with an onion, tomato, lentil and rice stew, seasoned with salt and pepper.

* The Chili is made with vinegar, olive oil, diced tomatoes, dried cilantro.

Recipe by Diana Rodriguez