Traditional Brazilian Empada Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup of cold water
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1/2 cup of green olives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of canned tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 egg, beaten for egg wash

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by stirring together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse bread crumbs.
  2. Beat the egg with the cold water and mix it into the flour until the dough comes together. If it's too crumbly, add more cold water, a tablespoon at a time.
  3. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until they become translucent.
  5. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  6. Stir in the olives, tomatoes, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for a few more minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
  8. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut out circles with a cookie cutter or glass that's slightly larger than the holes in your muffin tin.
  9. Press the circles into the holes of the muffin tin. Fill each with a spoonful of the beef mixture.
  10. Beat the second egg and brush it over the top of the dough. This will give the empadas a shiny, golden color.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. Allow the empadas to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then remove and serve warm.

Tools for making

  • Large bowl - for mixing the dough
  • Plastic wrap - for wrapping the dough and refrigerating it
  • Skillet - for sautéing the onion, garlic, and ground beef
  • Spoon - for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the skillet
  • Muffin tin - for baking the empadas
  • Cookie cutter or glass - for cutting out the dough circles
  • Brush - for brushing the beaten egg over the dough
  • Knife - for chopping the onion, garlic, olives, and tomatoes

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier crust.
  • Replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
  • Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the filling for added flavor and texture.
  • Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a mixture of mushrooms and black beans.
  • Experiment with different types of olives like kalamata or stuffed green olives for a unique twist.
  • Add grated cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella to the filling for a cheesy empada variation.
  • Try a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make mini empadas by using a mini muffin tin and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • Add a touch of spice by including some chili flakes or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
  • Make a seafood empada by using cooked shrimp or crabmeat instead of ground beef.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the steps to create delicious Empadas, a traditional Brazilian dish often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. The Empada is a small, savory pie filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, garlic, and olives. Encased in a buttery, flaky pastry and baked to golden perfection, these little pies are packed with flavor and are sure to impress at your next gathering. This recipe is easy to follow and suitable for bakers of all skill levels. In just under an hour, you can have a batch of warm, homemade Empadas ready to serve. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different fillings based on your personal preferences. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
  3. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute if you prefer.
  4. Can I omit the olives? Yes, if you don't like olives or don't have them on hand, you can simply leave them out of the recipe.
  5. Can I freeze the empadas? Yes, you can freeze the empadas. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
  6. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
  7. Can I make mini empadas instead of regular-sized ones? Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin or a small tartlet pan to make bite-sized empadas. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
  • Large Bowl - Used to mix the flour, salt, and other ingredients for the dough.
  • Skillet - Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and cook the ground beef.
  • Muffin Tin - Used to shape and bake the empadas.
  • Cookie Cutter or Glass - Used to cut out circles of dough for the empada shells.
  • Basting Brush - Used to brush beaten egg over the dough before baking for a golden finish.
  • Plastic Wrap - Used to wrap and refrigerate the dough.
  • Flour - Used for dusting the surface while rolling out the dough.
  • Knife - Used for chopping onions, garlic, olives, and tomatoes.
  • Cutting Board - Used to provide a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Used to accurately measure ingredients for the dough and filling.

Origin stories

Empada, pronounced "em-pah-da," is a beloved Brazilian snack that's often compared to a small pie. It's popular at parties, family gatherings, and even as a quick bite on the go. The origins of the empada can be traced back to Portugal, where a similar pastry called "empada de galinha" or "chicken pie" is popular. The recipe traveled with Portuguese colonists when they settled in Brazil, and over time, it evolved to suit local tastes. Today, there are countless variations of empada throughout Brazil, with fillings ranging from hearts of palm and cheese to shrimp and dried meat. One thing all empadas have in common, however, is their distinctive crust: a rich, buttery dough that's both crumbly and slightly sweet. It's this crust, coupled with the savory filling, that makes empadas a treat that's hard to resist.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.