Made Empanadas last night 😋
One of my favorite memories as a kid was going down the hill from my house to the corner store where they sold fresh Pastelillios. Filled with delicious beef, cheese, and potatoes.
When we moved I was really sad I wouldn't get those anymore. But yesterday me and my family got a deep fryer and I was able to try making my own at home - and they were delicious!!!
They definitely tasted different from how I remembered, Pastelillios are a very loose term after all and many different regions have their own spin on them and I don't remember where the corner store owners were from. Plus I couldn't find empanada disks and had to use tortillas
But still, they were very delicious and I will certainly make them again! Plus I figured out Softrito is a great addition for the meat and a great dipping sauce!
Empanadas, also known as pastelillos, are a beloved dish that varies widely by region. Traditionally filled with savory ingredients, these pastries offer endless possibilities for customization. The key to a delicious empanada lies in the filling. Try using lean ground beef mixed with homemade sofrito, a blend of garlic, onions, and peppers that enhances flavor. To make your own sofrito, finely chop ingredients like cilantro, yellow onion, and bell peppers, then blend them until well mixed. This flavorful base not only elevates your meat filling but also works as a delectable dipping sauce. For the empanada shells, while many prefer using empanada disks, tortillas can be a convenient substitute in a pinch. Just remember to crimp the edges well after filling to ensure no filling escapes during frying. To fry, heat your oil to the right temperature and cook until golden brown on both sides—about a minute each. Enjoy your freshly made empanadas as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal served with your favorite dipping sauces!