Why You’ll Love this Pork Empanada Recipe
Why will you love this Pork Empanada recipe? It’s the perfect blend of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance!
The combination of tender pork, savory ham, and spicy chorizo creates a filling that’s both hearty and satisfying. Plus, the flaky crust is easy to make and adds a delightful crunch.
You can customize the filling to suit your preferences, and it’s great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a cozy night in.
Once you try these empanadas, I guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist these delicious bites!
Ingredients of Pork Empanada
When it comes to whipping up some delicious Pork Empanadas, the ingredients play a vital role in crafting that mouthwatering flavor. Imagine biting into a golden, flaky crust, savoring the rich blend of tender pork, spicy chorizo, and savory ham. Sounds amazing, right?
Let’s gather all the goodies we need to make this culinary delight happen. Here’s a handy list to keep you organized and ready to cook.
Ingredients for Pork Empanada
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2-1 lb boneless pork loin, diced (depending on how meaty you want it)
- 3 ounces ham, diced (Canadian bacon works, too)
- 1 chorizo sausage (about 6 oz.)
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3/4 cup white wine
- 7 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 (16 ounce) can black beans
- 3/4 cup corn
- 1 pinch saffron
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 9 ounces cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons fast rising yeast
- 1 teaspoon caster sugar
- 9 ounces all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water (scant)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 egg, for glaze
Now, let’s talk a bit about the ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix and match the meats or even throw in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
Maybe you love spice? Toss in a jalapeño or two for a kick. And don’t forget about the herbs—fresh parsley is great, but a sprinkle of cilantro can add a fresh twist.
Just remember, the beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. You can make them fit your taste, so don’t be afraid to get creative. After all, cooking is all about having fun and making something delicious, right?
How to Make Pork Empanada
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Pork Empanadas. First things first, you’ll need to kick things off by preparing the filling. Grab your 5 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it in a frying pan over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your 2 chopped onions. You want to sauté these until they start to turn golden, and then add in the 4 chopped garlic cloves. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me. Once the onions and garlic are nicely cooked, set them aside for a bit.
Next, it’s time to bring in the meat brigade. In the same pan, add your 1/2-1 lb of diced boneless pork loin and 3 ounces of diced ham (Canadian bacon works well here too). Sauté these until they’re beautifully browned, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Now, add 1 chorizo sausage (about 6 ounces) and your chopped bell pepper to the mix. The chorizo will add a lovely kick and flavor.
After everything is cooked, deglaze the pan with 3/4 cup of white wine, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for a minute or two before bringing back all the meat and the onions and garlic into the pan. Stir in 7 ounces of diced tomatoes, a pinch of saffron, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper, and let this cook gently for about 20-30 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling incredible by now.
While that filling cools down, let’s work on the dough. In a food processor, combine 9 ounces of cornmeal, 2 teaspoons of fast rising yeast, and 1 teaspoon of caster sugar. Gradually add in 9 ounces of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of warm water (make sure it’s scant, you don’t want a soupy mess), 2 tablespoons of oil, and 2 beaten eggs. Blend this until you have a smooth and soft dough.
Once it’s ready, turn it into a clean bowl, cover it with a dishtowel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40-50 minutes. It’s like giving your dough a little spa treatment.
When the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a shallow roasting pan or a 12×8 dish. Now, divide the dough in half. Roll out one half on a floured surface until it’s slightly larger than your pan. Gently lift it into the pan, leaving some dough hanging over the edges. Spoon in that delicious filling you prepared earlier, and then roll out the other half of the dough to cover the top.
Fold the edges over, press gently to seal, and give the top a few pricks with a fork to let steam escape. Brush with an egg for a lovely golden glaze. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. When it comes out, let it cool a little before cutting into squares. And there you have it—homemade Pork Empanadas ready to impress. Enjoy!
Pork Empanada Substitutions & Variations
Exploring variations and substitutions for Pork Empanadas can elevate your dish and cater to different tastes.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of pork. For a vegetarian twist, swap in black beans, mushrooms, or lentils.
You can also experiment with different spices, like cumin or coriander, to add a unique flavor profile. If you’re avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough.
Don’t forget to play with the fillings! Adding cheese, spinach, or roasted vegetables can make a delicious variation everyone will enjoy.
Get creative and have fun!
What to Serve with Pork Empanada
What’s the best way to elevate your Pork Empanada experience? I love serving them with a fresh side salad drizzled in a zesty vinaigrette. The crunch of the greens complements the rich filling perfectly.
You can also whip up some guacamole or a creamy avocado dip; they add a nice, cool contrast. For a fun twist, pair the empanadas with a tangy salsa verde or a spicy chimichurri sauce.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider some seasoned rice or black beans on the side. These combinations enhance the meal and truly bring out the flavors of the empanadas!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing your pork empanadas with the right sides can truly elevate the experience, but there are also some helpful tips to keep in mind while preparing and serving them.
Make sure your filling is completely cooled before assembling; this prevents a soggy crust. I recommend experimenting with spices to customize the flavor; adding a bit of cumin or chili powder can pack a punch!
When sealing your empanadas, be sure to press firmly to avoid leaks during baking.
Finally, don’t skip the egg wash; it gives your empanadas a beautiful golden finish. Enjoy your delicious creation!