National Dish Colombia: Empanadas Colombianas (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Empanadas Colombianas, one of Colombia’s most beloved street-food snacks! These crisp, golden little parcels wrap a savoury filling of beef, potato and onion inside a light, fried dough. Loved at home and enjoyed far beyond Colombia’s borders, they are the sort of hand-held treat that suits a lazy afternoon just as well as a lively party. Bring a taste of Colombia straight to your own kitchen.
About Empanadas Colombianas
Empanadas Colombianas are a firmly rooted part of Colombian cooking. They are popular not only across Colombia but internationally too, prized for how easily they adapt to whatever you fancy. These savoury pockets come in many guises and can be filled with all sorts of things — whether stuffed with beef, potato or cheese, there really is an empanada for every taste. Crisp on the outside and hearty within, they capture the warmth and generosity of Colombian cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 125 ml water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 200 g beef (or another filling of your choice)
- 1 small potato, boiled and mashed
- Oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons onions, diced
- Pepper and further spices, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the very best Empanadas Colombianas, it is well worth choosing good-quality ingredients. The flour should be fresh to give the dough the best flavour and the right texture. It also pays to look closely at the meat — buy it from a butcher you trust or fresh from the chiller. Alongside the main ingredients, fresh herbs and spices can be added to refine the flavour even further.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Empanadas Colombianas takes a little equipment and a touch of skill, but it is easy to master. First, make the filling by cooking the beef and then mixing it with the boiled potatoes and the onions. This step lets the flavours open up and blend together beautifully. While the filling cools, you can turn your attention to the dough that encloses the empanadas.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour with the water and the salt and knead to a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and leave it to rest for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix the filling of beef, potato and onion together well and season with spices to taste.
- Roll the dough out thinly and cut out circles with a cutter.
- Place a spoonful of the filling on each round of dough and seal the edges firmly.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown, or bake them in the oven.
- Drain the finished empanadas on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Empanadas Colombianas can also be made gluten-free and lactose-free. For a gluten-free version, use special flour alternatives such as almond flour or rice flour. The filling is easy to adapt too — you might use plant-based mince, for example, to keep the dish lactose-free as well. Just make sure you choose gluten-free alternatives throughout the whole process so that everyone can enjoy the empanadas.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For the vegans and vegetarians among us there are plenty of ways to adapt Empanadas Colombianas. Instead of meat you might use vegetables, lentils or tofu. A mix of different vegetables also brings variety and fresh new flavours to the table. Be adventurous and adjust the spices to suit your own taste!
More tips and tricks
To get your Empanadas Colombianas just right, a few tricks come in handy. Take care not to roll the dough out too thickly, as this can spoil both the texture and the flavour. It also helps to moisten the edges of the parcels lightly with water before you seal them, which gives a firmer hold. Experiment with different fillings, too, to discover your own personal favourites — much as you would with the classic Empanadas.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the great joys of Empanadas Colombianas is how easily the recipe adapts to personal preference. You can vary the fillings to your heart’s content — be it spices, herbs or even fresh fruit for a sweet version. The dough can be adjusted too, using different flours or added seasonings to create new flavour experiences. Let your creativity run free!
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient to hand, there are usually alternatives that slot neatly into the recipe. In place of beef you might use chicken or pork, while for a vegetarian version you could add quinoa or spinach. The key is to choose the right spices so you keep the characteristic flavour of the empanadas, just as the hearty Frijoles Con Carne relies on its seasoning. That way you stay flexible and creative in the kitchen!
Drink pairing ideas
A wide range of drinks goes wonderfully with Empanadas Colombianas. Traditionally a cool aguardiente, Colombia’s much-loved aniseed spirit, is often served alongside. For an alcohol-free option you could offer a freshly pressed fruit juice such as Jugo De Lulo, or a refreshing lime water. You might also try a fizzy Refajo Colombiano, whose flavours round off the empanadas nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Empanadas Colombianas can be lifted with a few creative touches. Arranging them on an attractive plate, paired with a fresh dip or salsa, gives the dish that little something extra. Use fresh herbs to make it look more vibrant, or add mixed vegetables as a side. A crisp side of Patacones works a treat, and for a festive occasion you can even serve the empanadas on skewers for a real wow factor.
A bit of history
The history of Empanadas Colombianas reaches far back and is shaped by many cultural influences. The empanada originally came from Spain, but in Colombia it developed an identity all of its own. Different regions of the country prepare empanadas with their own fillings and methods, enriching the variety of the dish even further — the Empanadas Vallunas of the Valle del Cauca being one fine example. They stand as a symbol of Colombian gastronomy, a cuisine rich in traditions and flavours.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empanadas Colombianas
Empanadas Colombianas are a delicious treat that mirrors the flavours of Colombia. They are simple to make and can be modified however you like to suit different tastes. With their crisp outer shell and their savoury filling, they are the perfect dish for any occasion. Give this recipe a go and bring a piece of Colombian culture into your own kitchen!
