Empanada

An empanada is a baked or fried turnover made by folding dough over a filling.

An empanada is a baked or fried turnover made by folding dough over a filling. It is widely eaten in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, the Philippines, and other regions, with fillings that can be savoury or sweet.

Overview

Empanadas are a broad category of filled pastries made from dough wrapped around a filling. They are a familiar food in many Spanish- and Portuguese-influenced cuisines, especially across Latin America.

Etymology and origins

The name derives from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning to coat or wrap in bread. Historical accounts commonly trace the dish through Iberian cuisine, with further influence from older Middle Eastern and Moorish filled-pastry traditions.

Varieties and fillings

Empanadas can be savoury or sweet and may contain beef, chicken, pork, seafood, cheese, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, or other ingredients. Regional versions differ considerably in seasoning, dough, shape, and size.

Cultural distribution

Empanadas are part of everyday food culture in many countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and the Philippines. They are also common as street food and festival food in many places.

Canada

Empanadas are widely available in Canada through Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino communities, and they appear on menus in many urban food markets and restaurants.