colombian empanada
colombian empanada

Colombian Empanadas

Colombian empanadas are a popular dish in Colombian cuisine. They consist of a fried dough filled with a mixture of meat, potatoes, onion and spices, and are often served with a spicy chili sauce. They're crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside, and are a delicious option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Colombian empanadas:

  • 2 cups of pre-cooked corn flour
  • 2 cups of hot water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup ground beef or pork
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of annatto or color
  • Vegetable oil for frying
colombian empanada
colombian empanada

Instructions to prepare Colombian empanadas:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the cornflour with the hot water and salt until you have a soft dough. Add the oil and knead for 5 more minutes.
  2. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until well browned. Add the onion, garlic and pepper, and cook for 5 more minutes.
  4. Add the cilantro, cumin and achiote, and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Take a small amount of dough and form it into a ball the size of a golf ball. Flatten the ball into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Add a tablespoon of the meat mixture to the center of the dough circle.
  8. Fold the dough in half and seal the edges with your fingers or a fork.
  9. Fry the empanadas in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
  10. Drain the empanadas on a paper towel to remove excess oil and serve hot with a hot or sweet and sour sauce on the side.

Enjoy!

Maybe you might like: Zucchini and eggplant lasagna

Image credits: freepik