Galician empanada

Galician Empanada: A Hearty and Flavorful Delicacy

If you want to embark on a culinary journey filled with nostalgia, the Galician empanada is the perfect choice. This hearty pie, with its varied fillings, has been enjoyed by generations, becoming a symbol of family gatherings and festive meals. With a golden crust and a tasty interior, the Galician empanada will captivate you from the very first bite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g of flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (approximately 7 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika (for a special flavor)
- 200 ml of warm water
- 12 tablespoons of oil (ideally the oil from the filling)

For the filling:
*Meat filling options:*
- 1 large chicken breast, cut into pieces (can come from a previous roast)
- 6 medium onions, finely chopped
- Oil (enough to cover the ingredients well, approximately 12 tablespoons)
- 500 g of mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cans of 400 g of tomatoes in juice
- 1-2 bell peppers (quantity depends on size), diced
- Hot pepper paste (optional, for those who love spice)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper
- Oregano

*Fish filling options:*
- 1 can of 900 g of tuna in oil
- Onion (similar to the previous filling)
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Spices

Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, dry yeast, salt, and paprika. These dry ingredients will give the dough a light texture and pleasant flavor.

2. Adding the liquids: Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the oil and warm water. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything until a dough forms.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. Proofing: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for about 30 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the filling

1. Sautéing the ingredients: In a large skillet, add the oil and sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, then add the chicken pieces (either raw or already cooked).

2. Adding the mushrooms: In a separate skillet, sauté the mushrooms to release their moisture. Then, add them to the chicken and vegetable mixture.

3. Incorporating the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and juice from the cans. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Seasoning: Adjust the taste with salt, pepper, and oregano. If you want a spicy flavor, you can also add hot pepper paste.

5. Cooling the filling: Once the filling is ready, let it cool to room temperature. This step is essential to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.

Assembling the Empanada

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts.

2. Rolling out the sheets: Using a rolling pin, roll each part of the dough into a thin sheet large enough to cover a baking tray (ungreased).

3. Adding the filling: Place the first sheet of dough in the tray and evenly distribute the cooled filling.

4. Covering with the second sheet: Place the other sheet of dough on top of the filling. Use a knife to trim any excess dough from the edges.

5. Decorating: Use the leftover dough to create decorations on the surface of the empanada. These not only look good but also help keep the filling inside.

6. Glazing: Beat an egg and brush the surface of the empanada for a golden and shiny crust.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat).

2. Baking: Bake the Galician empanada for 40-45 minutes or until it becomes golden-brown.

3. Cooling: Let the empanada cool slightly before cutting it into portions.

Serving

The Galician empanada can be served warm or cold. It is ideal for family meals, picnics, or as an appetizer at a gathering with friends. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or a flavorful yogurt sauce for an extra touch.

Practical tips

- Filling options: You can experiment with various fillings: cheese, vegetables, or even seafood. Each variation brings a unique taste.
- Freezing: If you want to save time, you can prepare the Galician empanada in advance and freeze it. Bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
- Enhancements: Try adding fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil) to the filling for a more vibrant flavor.

Nutritional information

The Galician empanada is a hearty meal, offering protein from meat and vegetables, but it is wise to be mindful of portion sizes, considering the calorie content, which can vary depending on the filling and the amount of oil used. A serving can contain approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

2. How can I avoid a wet filling?
Ensure the mushrooms are well sautéed before adding them to the filling and let the filling cool before assembling the empanada.

3. Is the Galician empanada suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using vegetables and tofu or a mix of grilled vegetables instead of meat or fish.

The Galician empanada is more than just a simple pie; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!