Empadas are a traditional dish from Portuguese cuisine that has been widely adopted and adapted in Brazil. These are individual pies made with a buttery, flaky crust and filled with a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, shrimp, hearts of palm, cheese, and more. In Brazil, empadas are very popular as snacks or even as a main dish, commonly served at parties, cafes, and as quick meals.
The pie crust is known for its buttery and crunchy texture. Preparation can vary, but it generally involves wheat flour, butter or margarine, and sometimes a bit of water or eggs to bind the dough.
1. Chicken and Catupiry Cheese Empadas
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 500g wheat flour
- 250g cold butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water (if necessary)
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 500g cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 200g Catupiry cheese (or creamy cheese spread)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Preparation:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter in pieces and mix with your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until the dough comes together. Add cold water if needed. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in the shredded chicken and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool and mix in the Catupiry cheese. - Assemble the Empadas:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Line the bottoms and sides of small pie tins with the dough. Fill with the chicken mixture and cover with more dough. Press the edges to seal and poke holes in the top to let steam escape. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Hearts of Palm Empadas
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 100g butter
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cold water
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 jar hearts of palm (300g), drained and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- ½ cup chopped green olives
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated cheese (optional)
Preparation:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix the flour, butter, and salt. Add the egg and cold water, mixing until the dough is smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add the tomato, hearts of palm, and olives, stirring well. Dissolve the cornstarch in milk and add to the pan, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool. - Assemble the Empadas:
Roll out the dough and line the pie tins. Fill with the hearts of palm mixture and cover with more dough. Press the edges to seal. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden. Serve warm!
3. Dried Beef Empadas
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 500g wheat flour
- 200g cold butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon cold water (if necessary)
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 300g shredded, desalted dried beef (cooked)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Preparation:
- Prepare the Dough:
Mix the flour, salt, and butter until it forms coarse crumbs. Add the egg and cold water, mixing until the dough is smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic. Add the tomato and cook until softened. Add the shredded dried beef and beef broth, cooking for 10 minutes until the mixture is dry. Adjust seasoning and add cilantro if desired. - Assemble the Empadas:
Roll out the dough and line the pie tins. Fill with the dried beef mixture and cover with more dough. Seal the edges and poke holes in the top. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Shrimp and Cream Cheese Empadas
Ingredients for the Dough:
- 2 cups wheat flour
- 100g butter
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup cold water
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 300g small shrimp, cleaned
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or parsley to taste
Preparation:
- Prepare the Dough:
In a bowl, mix the flour, butter, and salt until crumbly. Add the egg and cold water, mixing until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. - Prepare the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until golden. Add the tomato and cook until softened. Stir in the shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes until pink. Add the cream cheese and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and cilantro or parsley. - Assemble the Empadas:
Line the pie tins with the dough, fill with the shrimp mixture, and cover with more dough. Press the edges to seal. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
These are four empada recipes you can try, varying the fillings and adapting them to your preferences! Enjoy!
