Empanadas Venezolanas – A Crispy Delight with Every Bite!
When it comes to comfort food, Empanadas Venezolanas are right at the top of the list. They’re the kind of dish that instantly transports you to Venezuela with every crispy, flavorful bite. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just because you’re craving that nostalgic taste, empanadas are always a hit. Today, we’re sharing our go-to recipe for making these golden, stuffed pockets of goodness so you can enjoy them anytime!
What Are Empanadas Venezolanas?
Empanadas Venezolanas are delicious turnovers made with cornmeal dough and stuffed with a lot of fillings, from savory shredded beef to creamy cheese. While empanadas can be found across Latin America, Venezuela has its own special version, characterized by its crispy texture and mouthwatering fillings. You’ll often find them at street vendors or homemade for special occasions.
We love empanadas because they’re so versatile—you can fill them with whatever you have on hand. Plus, they’re easy to make once you get the hang of the dough!
Ingredients for the Perfect Empanadas Venezolanas
Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of traditional Venezuelan empanadas:
- Masa Para Empanadas Venezolanas: Cornmeal dough that forms the crispy outer shell.
- Fillings: Popular options include empanadas de pollo venezolanas (chicken empanadas), empanadas de queso venezolanas (cheese empanadas), or even the beloved empanadas venezolanas de pabellón (with shredded beef and plantains).
- Seasonings: A pinch of salt and a bit of black pepper to enhance the flavor of the dough and fillings.
- Oil for Frying: For that perfect golden crisp on the outside.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Empanadas Venezolanas
Let’s get into the fun part—making the empanadas! It’s a straightforward process, but we’ve got a few tips to ensure they come out perfectly every time.
- Prepare the Dough (Masa)
- Start by making the dough with precooked cornmeal (known as harina PAN in Venezuela). Mix the cornmeal with warm water, salt, and a bit of oil until the dough is smooth and pliable. The dough should be soft but not sticky. Cover it to keep it from drying out while you prepare the fillings.
- Make the Fillings
- You can’t go wrong with classic fillings like shredded chicken, cheese, or carne mechada (shredded beef). To prepare the filling, cook the meat with spices, onions, and bell peppers until tender and flavorful. For cheese empanadas, you simply need your favorite Venezuelan cheese—something that melts nicely!
- Assemble the Empanadas
- Grab a ball and flatten it between two pieces of plastic wrap. You want it to be thin but not so thin that it tears. Place a spoonful of filling in the center, then carefully fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges to seal the empanada, and use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Fry to Perfection
- Heat the oil in a deep pan. Gently lower the empanadas into the oil and fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes per side. Drain them to remove excess oil.
- Enjoy!
- Serve your empanadas hot with a side of guasacaca (a traditional Venezuelan avocado-based sauce) or a spicy dipping sauce. Trust us; it’ll be hard to stop at just one!
Empanadas Venezolanas Variations
One of the best things about empanadas is how flexible the fillings can be. While we’re partial to the classic empanadas de pollo and empanadas de queso, you can get creative with your fillings. Some of our favorites include:
- Empanadas de Pabellón: Filled with shredded beef, black beans, plantains, and cheese—this is a hearty option inspired by the traditional Venezuelan dish pabellón criollo.
- Empanadas de Pollo con Guasacaca: Chicken empanadas served with a tangy, creamy avocado sauce known as guasacaca.
- Empanadas de Queso: Simple, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying, these cheese empanadas are always a crowd-pleaser.
No matter which variation you try, you’ll love the combination of crispy dough and flavorful fillings.
Tips for Perfect Empanadas Venezolanas
- Don’t Skip the Dough Resting Time: Letting the dough rest for at least 10 minutes after mixing helps it become more pliable and easier to work with.
- Make Them in Batches: You can prepare a big batch of empanadas and freeze them before frying. Just pop them into the oil straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Try Baking Instead of Frying: While frying gives empanadas that crispy exterior we all love, you can also bake them if you prefer a lighter version. Just brush them with a mixture of egg and water, then bakee at 400°F until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Empanadas Venezolanas?
Empanadas Venezolanas are cornmeal turnovers filled with savory fillings like cheese, chicken, or shredded beef. They’re crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside.
How do I Make Empanadas Venezolanas?
Start by preparing the dough with precooked cornmeal and water. Roll it out, fill it with your choice of ingredients, and fry them until golden brown. Serve with guasacaca or a dipping sauce!
Can I Make Empanadas Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make empanadas ahead of time and freeze them. When you’re ready to eat, simply fry or bake them straight from the freezer.
What’s the Best Filling for Empanadas?
It depends on your taste, but some of the most popular fillings are shredded beef, chicken, and cheese. You can also experiment with different flavors like black beans or plantains!
Final Thoughts
Empanadas Venezolanas are a beloved dish for a reason—they bring together bold flavors, crispy textures, and comforting fillings. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the fryer or freezing a batch for later, they always deliver on flavor and satisfaction. And if you’re in the mood to mix up your snack game, why not try something a little different? Our recipe for Jammy Eggs pairs beautifully with just about any meal, offering that perfect gooey center that’ll make you want more with every bite. Trust us, they’re the perfect complement to any dish!
