The traditional Panamanian Empanadas recipe is food as a meal or a snack. They usually contain a mix of ground beef, bell peppers, onions, along with spices inside a flaky crust. When making the Panamanian Empanadas recipe, you need to watch cooking temperatures.
To begin with heat your oven to the proper temperature – around 375′ F (190′ C) prior to baking. The baking temperatures are crucial: a hot oven allows the dough bake evenly to present that golden brown crust. Too low a temperature and the empanadas will be mushy rather than crispy. This highlights just how temperature control is able to make or even break your dish when cooking.
While you make the filling for the Panamanian Empanadas recipe, prepare the ground beef to a safe internal temperature of around 160′ F (71′ C) – which helps to avoid food poisoning. This also improves the tastes because the meat assimilates the spices.
In the long run, the Panamanian Empanadas recipe is a mouthwatering mixture of tastes and textures.
Ingredients For the Panamanian Empanadas Recipe
For the Dough:
All-purpose Flour
Salt
Sater
Unsalted Butter St Room Temperature
For the Filling:
Ground Beef
Chopped Onion
Chopped Red Bell Pepper
Minced Cloves Garlic
Ground Cumin
Dried Oregano
Salt
Black Pepper
Tomato Paste
Beef Broth
Beaten Egg
Cooking Instructions For the Panamanian Empanadas Recipe
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomato paste and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter or glass, cut circles out of the dough.
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
10 Foods Loved by Panamanian Locals
Panama is a country of mixed cultures and dishes reflect this. From the Caribbean to indigenous influences, Panamanian cuisine offers hearty meals full of flavor. Here are 10 foods loved by locals in Panama.:
1. Sancocho
Sancocho is chicken soup with herbs such as culantro (cilantro) and corn, yucca and plantains – the ultimate comfort food in Panama. Each region may have its own twist, but chicken is the star. It’s often served with white rice and is a good meal on a rainy or cold day.
2. Arroz con Pollo
This classic dish, translating to “rice with chicken,” is a staple in Panamanian households. It’s made by simmering chicken in a tomato-based sauce and combining it with rice, vegetables, and spices. Arroz con Pollo is a dish often found at celebrations and family gatherings due to its satisfying simplicity and robust flavor.
3. Tamales
Tamales in Panama are banana leaves wrapped in a sweet treat. Made from ground corn dough and mixed with chicken, pork or beef, Panamanian tamales are steamed in banana leaves and slightly different from Mexican tamales. It’s a meal many families make together during the holidays.
4. Ropa Vieja
Translating to “old clothes,” Ropa Vieja is shredded beef in a tomato sauce with peppers and onions. Serve with rice, it’s a satisfying meal that locals love, combining simple ingredients into a hearty dish.
5. Carimañolas
Carimaolas are deep fried yuca fritters stuffed with ground meat or cheese, and are a breakfast or snack food. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they provide crunch on every bite. These fritters are a testament to Panama’s love for yuca and creative street food.
6. Ceviche
The proximity of Panama to the ocean means fresh seafood is plentiful. Ceviche is served with fresh raw fish tossed in citrus juice, and is a local favorite during hot weather. When served cold, the fish is usually seasoned with onions, cilantro and peppers – a light, tart flavor that suits Panama’s tropical climate.
7. Hojaldras
Hojaldras are Panamanian fried doughnuts, a breakfast staple for many locals. These light and fluffy treats are frequently topped with powdered sugar and go perfectly with a cup of coffee. Hojaldras are simple to make but a must-try for anyone visiting Panama.
8. Patacones
Fried green plantains, or patacones, are a popular side dish in Panama. Sliced, fried and flattened plantains tend to be crisp and salty and go with almost any food, like fish, beef or chicken. They are a national favorite due to their versatility and satisfying texture.
9. Tortillas de Maíz
Unlike Mexican tortillas, Panamanian corn tortillas are thicker and often fried. They are a hearty breakfast or side dish when served with cheese or meat. They’re slightly crisp on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside – a texture locals love.
10. Chicheme
Chicheme is a sweet corn drink that is traditionally consumed rather than eaten. Boiling corn, milk, sugar and spices such as cinnamon make this drink refreshing on hot days. It’s sold at festivals and roadside stalls, and is a filling drink.
FAQ For the Panamanian Empanadas Recipe
Q: What are the main ingredients in a Panamanian Empanadas recipe?
A: A Panamanian Empanadas recipe typically features a few key ingredients that contribute to its deliciousness. The dough is usually made with flour, water, and a pinch of salt, creating a light and flaky pastry. The filling often consists of a combination of seasoned meat, such as beef or chicken, along with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and sometimes even olives for added flavour. Spices such as cumin and oregano may be incorporated to enhance the taste, making each empanada a flavorful treat. This combination of ingredients results in a satisfying snack or meal that reflects the culinary traditions of Panama.
Q: How do you prepare a Panamanian Empanadas recipe from scratch?
A: To prepare a Panamanian Empanadas recipe from scratch, the first step is to make the dough. Start by mixing flour, salt, and water in a bowl until it forms a smooth, pliable dough, which should rest for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by cooking your choice of meat with onions, peppers, and spices until fully cooked and well-seasoned. Once the dough has rested, roll it out into thin circles, fill each circle with the meat mixture, and fold them over to create a half-moon shape, sealing the edges. Finally, the empanadas can be either baked or fried until golden brown, resulting in a delicious snack or appetizer.
Q: Can I customize the filling in a Panamanian Empanadas recipe?
A: Absolutely! One of the great aspects of a Panamanian Empanadas recipe is its versatility. While traditional fillings often include ground beef or chicken, you can easily customize the empanadas to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Vegetarian options can feature a mix of cheese, spinach, or even beans, while seafood variations with shrimp or fish are also popular. By experimenting with different ingredients and flavours, you can create empanadas that cater to a variety of tastes, making them a perfect dish for gatherings or family meals.
Q: What is the best way to serve Panamanian Empanadas?
A: When serving a Panamanian Empanadas recipe, presentation can enhance the dining experience. These empanadas are often enjoyed warm, making them a great appetizer or snack. They can be accompanied by a variety of dipping sauces, such as a spicy salsa or a creamy avocado dip, which complement the flavours beautifully. Additionally, serving them with a side salad or fresh vegetables can create a well-rounded meal. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a casual snack, serving them with a side of sauce elevates the taste and adds a fun element to the dining experience.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftover Panamanian Empanadas?
A: To store leftover Panamanian Empanadas recipe, it’s essential to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them before cooking. To reheat, the empanadas can be placed in an oven at a low temperature or in a toaster oven, allowing them to crisp up while warming through. This method maintains their flaky texture and ensures they are just as enjoyable as when they were freshly made.
Panamanian Empanadas
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Rolling Pin
- Large Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Pastry cutter or glass for cutting dough circles
- Fork for sealing empanadas
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
For the Filling
- 1 poung ground beef
- ½ cup onion chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper choped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
For the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Cut the butter into small pieces and add to the bowl.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix the butter into the flour until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the water and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is 1/8 inch thick.
- Using a round cutter or glass, cut circles out of the dough.
For the Filling
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomato paste and beef broth to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
For the Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Brush the empanadas with the beaten egg and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
1 comment
The Panamanian empanadas were a delight to make and eat!