Tuna Empanadas

Tuna Empanadillas - Tuna Pastries

Welcome to the culinary universe of tuna empanadillas, a recipe that combines simple ingredients with delicious flavors! These tuna pastries are perfect for a quick snack or to be served as an appetizer at a festive meal. I invite you to discover with me how to prepare them step by step, so you can achieve a perfect result every time!

General Information

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 30 minutes
- Frying time: 10-15 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 4 servings (approximately 12 empanadillas)

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 grams of flour
- 1/2 cup of white wine (preferably dry)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 pinch of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 200 grams of tuna in its own juice (or canned)
- 1/2 cup of peeled seedless tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 egg (to bind the filling)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For frying:
- Olive oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. Form a "volcano" in the middle of the flour, leaving raised edges.
2. In the formed crater, add the white wine, olive oil, salt, and baking soda. These ingredients not only bring a delicious taste but also a perfect texture to the dough.
3. Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the liquid mixture until everything starts to come together.
4. Knead the dough by hand for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
5. Form a ball, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. While the dough is rising, it's time to prepare the filling. Drain the canned tuna and place it in a bowl.
2. Add the peeled tomatoes and the egg. Use a fork to mash the tuna and mix all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste, being careful not to overdo the salt, as the tuna may already be salty.
3. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste.

Step 3: Forming the empanadillas

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you achieve a thickness of about 3 mm.
2. Use a cup or glass to cut circles from the dough. Make sure the circles are large enough to add the filling without breaking.
3. In the center of each circle, place a teaspoon of the tuna filling.
4. Fold the dough circle, creating a half-moon shape, and press the edges to seal them well. Use a fork to crimp the edges so that the empanadillas have a rustic look and do not open during frying.

Step 4: Frying the empanadillas

1. In a deep pan, add enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat.
2. When the oil is hot, carefully add the empanadillas, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy.
3. Use a spatula to carefully turn them. Once they are done, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Step 5: Serving

Tuna empanadillas are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or with sauces like salsa or garlic yogurt sauce. These pastries also pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or a cold beer, making them ideal for a relaxing evening or a gathering with friends.

Useful Tips

- Variations for the filling: If you want to experiment, try adding chopped green or black olives, capers, or even feta cheese for a more savory note.
- Other types of flour: You can replace white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the final texture may differ.
- Freezing: Unfried empanadillas can be frozen. Place them on a tray and freeze for an hour, then transfer them to freezer bags. When you want to consume them, you can fry them directly from the freezer.

Nutritional Information

Each empanadilla has approximately 150 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of oil absorbed during frying. These pastries provide a good source of protein due to the tuna, along with the vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh tuna? Yes, fresh tuna is an excellent option, but make sure to cook it before using it as a filling.
2. What kind of white wine is best? A dry white wine is ideal, but a sweet wine can influence the flavor, so choose according to your preferences.
3. Can I bake empanadillas instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake empanadillas at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20-25 minutes until they become golden.

I hope you enjoyed exploring the recipe for tuna empanadillas! This dish is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring a touch of flavor into your everyday life. Experiment and personalize this recipe, and don’t forget to share the results with your loved ones! Bon appétit!