Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Picture this: you’re lounging on a sunny Caribbean beach, the ocean breeze wafting over you, bringing with it the tantalizing scent of spicy, savory goodness. That’s the magic of a proper Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe, and today, I’m going to show you how to bring a bit of that island charm right into your kitchen. Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely smashing!

Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe Overview

• Course: Appetizer
• Cuisine: Caribbean
• Total Servings: 12 empanadas
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you dive into the world of empanadas, make sure you’ve got the right tools for the job. For this Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe, you’ll need:

• A large mixing bowl
• A rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• A frying pan
• A pastry cutter or a large glass
• A fork (for crimping edges)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to capture the essence of the Caribbean in your kitchen:

Did you know? Empanadas trace their origins back to Spain and Portugal, and they were brought to the Caribbean by colonizers where they evolved into the delightful versions we enjoy in the region today.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 – Make the Dough

• Put flour, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl and mix them together.
• When you add the cubed butter, mix it in until it looks like coarse bits.
• Gradually add water and knead until a dough forms.
• For at least 30 minutes, put the dough in the fridge after wrapping it in plastic.

Note: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking when baked.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

• Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
• Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
• Stir in cumin, paprika, tomatoes, olives, and raisins.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
• Once cooled, mix in the chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Warning: Ensure the filling is not too wet; it can make the dough soggy.

Step 3 – Assemble the Empanadas

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Put the chilled dough on a floured surface and roll it out until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
• Use a pastry cutter to cut out 6-inch diameter circles.
• Put about 2 tablespoons of filling in the middle of each circle.
• To make a half-moon shape, fold the dough over the filling.
• Use a fork to seal the edges.
• The empanadas should be put on a baking sheet that has parchment paper on it.

Tip: Brush the tops with a beaten egg before baking for a golden, shiny finish.

Step 4 – Cook the Empanadas

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Fact: Empanadas are a popular street food in many Caribbean countries, each adding its own local twist to the filling, ranging from spicy meats to sweet fruits.

Additional Tips

• Freezing: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Dough consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, a splash more water.

Pairing Suggestions

Empanadas are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Consider serving them with:

• A simple salsa verde
• A creamy garlic sauce
• A tangy mango chutney

Nutritional Information

Approximation: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Dietary Information

This Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe is suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Here’s how to adapt it:

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with mashed chickpeas or lentils mixed with finely diced vegetables.
• Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for the dough and adjust the amount of water accordingly.

FAQs about Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

How can I ensure my empanadas are crispy when baked?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and consider using a lower rack to help the bottoms crisp up nicely.

Can I use chicken instead of beef for the empanadas?

Absolutely! Chicken is a great substitute; just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before stuffing your empanadas.

What’s the best way to seal empanadas to prevent leaking?

Crimping the edges with a fork after folding them over ensures they stay sealed during baking or frying.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for the dough?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with solidified coconut oil to keep the dough dairy-free.

How long will cooked empanadas last in the fridge?

Cooked empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I add cheese to the empanada filling?

Certainly! Adding a bit of shredded cheese can give extra flavor and texture. Cheeses that melt easily include cheddar and mozzarella.

Is there a quick way to make empanada dough in a pinch?

For a quick fix, store-bought puff pastry or pie crust can be a practical substitute, though nothing beats the texture of homemade dough.

Conclusion

Bahama Breeze Empanadas are not just food; they’re a cultural experience wrapped in pastry. Perfect for parties or a family dinner, they’re sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of the Caribbean to your table.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts, tweaks, or questions about this recipe. Don’t be shy; drop a comment below!

Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe

Learn to make Bahama Breeze Empanadas with our simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Caribbean

Servings 12 empanadas

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• A large mixing bowl
• A rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• A frying pan
• A pastry cutter or a large glass
• A fork (for crimping edges)

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Cold butter cubed
• 3/4 cup Cold water
• 500 g Ground beef Halal
• 1 large Onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 cup Diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Green olives chopped
• 1/4 cup Raisins
• 2 Hard-boiled eggs chopped
• For frying Vegetable oil

Instructions

 

Step 1 – Make the Dough

• Put flour, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl and mix them together.
• When you add the cubed butter, mix it in until it looks like coarse bits.
• Gradually add water and knead until a dough forms.
• For at least 30 minutes, put the dough in the fridge after wrapping it in plastic.
• Note: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinking when baked.

Step 2 – Prepare the Filling

• Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
• Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
• Stir in cumin, paprika, tomatoes, olives, and raisins.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
• Once cooled, mix in the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
• Warning: Ensure the filling is not too wet; it can make the dough soggy.

Step 3 – Assemble the Empanadas

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Put the chilled dough on a floured surface and roll it out until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
• Use a pastry cutter to cut out 6-inch diameter circles.
• Put about 2 tablespoons of filling in the middle of each circle.
• To make a half-moon shape, fold the dough over the filling.
• Use a fork to seal the edges.
• The empanadas should be put on a baking sheet that has parchment paper on it.
• Tip: Brush the tops with a beaten egg before baking for a golden, shiny finish.

Step 4 – Cook the Empanadas

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Fact: Empanadas are a popular street food in many Caribbean countries, each adding its own local twist to the filling, ranging from spicy meats to sweet fruits.

Notes

• Freezing: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen for up to three months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Dough consistency: If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, a splash more water.

Keyword Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe