Colombian empanadas are crispy, golden corn dough pockets filled with seasoned beef, potatoes, and spices. These delicious fried snacks are popular as street food and perfect for dipping in ají (spicy sauce)!
Ingredients (Makes 12–15 Empanadas)
For the Dough:
✅ 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa, yellow or white) 🌽
✅ 1 ½ cups warm water 💧
✅ ½ tsp salt 🧂
✅ ½ tsp ground cumin 🌿
✅ 1 tbsp vegetable oil 🛢️
For the Filling:
✅ 200 g (7 oz) ground beef or shredded chicken 🍖
✅ 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 🥔
✅ ½ small white onion, finely chopped 🧅
✅ 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄
✅ ½ tsp ground cumin 🌿
✅ ½ tsp paprika or annatto powder 🌶️
✅ ½ cup beef or chicken broth 🍵
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste 🧂
For Frying:
✅ Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying) 🛢️
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
1️⃣ In a pot of salted water, boil the potatoes until soft, then mash them lightly.
2️⃣ In a pan, heat oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add the ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
4️⃣ Pour in broth, stir in the mashed potatoes, and cook for 5 minutes until thick. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Dough
5️⃣ In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, salt, cumin, and warm water.
6️⃣ Knead until a smooth dough forms. If it’s too dry, add more water.
7️⃣ Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Shape the Empanadas
8️⃣ Take a small ball of dough, flatten it into a thin circle using plastic wrap.
9️⃣ Place 1 tbsp of filling in the center.
🔟 Fold the dough over and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or a fork.
Step 4: Fry the Empanadas
1️⃣1️⃣ Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 180°C (350°F).
1️⃣2️⃣ Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 3–4 minutes).
1️⃣3️⃣ Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣4️⃣ Serve hot with ají (Colombian spicy sauce) or lime wedges! 🍋
¡Buen provecho! 🇨🇴
These crispy empanadas are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or party food!
✨ Extra Tip:
👉 Want a healthier version? Bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, brushing with oil for crispiness!