Colombian Empanadas

Discover the irresistible flavors of Colombian Empanadas—crispy, golden pockets of joy that encapsulate a savory mixture of juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices. These traditional delights are crafted with a cornmeal dough made from masarepa, lending them their signature flaky texture and vibrant yellow hue. Filled with the rich blend of cumin-infused beef, garlic, onions, and tomatoes, each bite delivers a taste of Colombia’s culinary heritage. Perfectly fried to crispy perfection, these empanadas are an ideal appetizer, snack, or party treat. Serve them warm with a side of tangy ají sauce or salsa for an authentic and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a comforting meal, these Colombian Empanadas are guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups Yellow cornmeal (masarepa)
• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 2 medium Potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Tomato, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for filling)
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 cup Water (for filling)

Directions

Step 1

Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, water, and salt. Mix thoroughly until it forms a smooth and pliable dough. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and set aside to rest while you prepare the filling.

Step 2

Boil the diced potatoes in a medium pot of water for about 10 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If needed, drain excess fat.

Step 4

Add the onion, garlic, and tomato to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked potatoes, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of water. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 6

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper to form a thin circle, approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Step 7

Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using the tines of a fork for extra security and decoration.

Step 8

In a deep pot or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy.

Step 9

Remove the fried empanadas with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 10

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Colombian ají or salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3218.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10409.3

Total Fat 1031.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 167.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 321.1mg	0%
Sodium 4926.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 284.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.0g	0%
Total Sugars 13.7g
Protein 102.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 227.3mg	0%
Iron 17.3mg	0%
Potassium 3876.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 85.7%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 10.5%