Are Colombian Empanadas Gluten Free?
Are Colombian Empanadas Gluten Free? As someone who has traveled to Colombia and has enjoyed their local cuisine, this is a question I have been asked many times. These deep-fried and crispy snacks are my favorite and I can assure you that they are gluten-free with the recipe I am going to share with you.
Colombia’s national dish, the empanada, can be found throughout the country and regardless of where you travel, you will find various versions being served up in different regions. Generally speaking, empanadas consist of a filling wrapped inside a pastry-like dough that is then fried or baked depending on the region.
In Colombia, empanada dough is typically made with a mixture of wheat flour and corn flour. This combination lends itself to a light golden-brown-colored crust that is flaky and crunchy when cooked.
Unfortunately, because wheat flour contains gluten this means that the traditional Colombian empanada dough would not be considered gluten-free. But don’t worry, I am using Molino gluten-free flour (my favorite) in my recipe so Colombian empanadas are gluten-free.
Besides, when I was in Colombia, I noticed that in some parts of Colombia, you may find varieties of empanadas made with cassava-based or yuca dough that does not contain any wheat or grain in it at all. Therefore I believe everyone can enjoy it.
What are Colombian empanadas?
I always love discussing local cuisine and my favorite Colombian empanadas, as we say are a classic dish that has been a staple in Colombian cuisine for centuries. Empanadas first originated in the Middle East but over time their popularity spread to Europe and other parts of the world, including Colombia.
They are made with pastry dough filled with various types of ingredients such as meat, cheese, vegetables, and even fruit. The dough is then cooked either by baking or frying. In Colombia, they are typically deep-fried which gives them a crispy exterior.
Are Colombian Empanadas Gluten Free?
Are Colombian Empanadas Gluten Free? This is a question that has become increasingly common in the culinary world. As Colombia’s cuisine has begun to gain popularity, more and more people are looking for ways to enjoy these delicious treats without compromising their dietary needs. The short answer is yes: Colombian Empanadas are Gluten free.
Colombian Empanadas Gluten-Free Recipe
Colombian Empanadas Gluten Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Gluten Free flour
- 1/2 tbsp salt
- 2 cup butter,melted
- 3/4 cup lukewarmwater
- Fillingof your choice (meat, cheese, vegetables)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the gluten-free molino flour and salt together.
- Add the melted butter and stir until evenly distributed.
- Slowly add the lukewarm water to the mixture, stirring as you go, until it forms adough consistency that is easy to work with.
- Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes and then cover it with plastic wrap or a damp clothand set aside for 10 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a thin circle and cutit into smaller circles (about 6-7 cm in diameter).
- Place some of your desired fillings onto each circle, making sure to leaveenough space at the edges to seal them properly.
- Foldeach empanada in half, pressing the edges together to make the data in half andcrim crimping the edges..
- HeatHeat a bit bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat and once the oil is hothot, cook cook each em empanpanadaada for for about about 3 3 minutes on eachside until golden brown..
- EnjoyEnjoy your Colombian Colombian Em Empanpanadasadas!!
What is empanada dough made from?
As discussed earlier, the most important part of this dish is the dough. I am using gluten-free flour for making dough for Colombian empanadas. This creates a soft yet sturdy dough that holds up well during cooking. Some recipes also call for lard or shortening to be added to the dough for an even crispier crust.
What sort of filling works best in empanadas?
As I say every time, experimenting is always the best option. From the day I first ate Colombian Empanadas, I decided I’ll use different fillings for this delicious dish. So, When it comes to filling, the sky is the limit when making Colombian empanadas. Many people prefer savory fillings such as beef and potato or chicken and vegetables. Others enjoy more flavorful options like chorizo and cheese or roasted peppers and onions.
The key to getting the right flavor combination is to use high-quality ingredients that are cooked and seasoned well. I personally like to mix it up by sometimes using a sweet or fruity filling, like apples with cinnamon or pineapple with brown sugar. The possibilities are endless!
Shaping the Empanadas
When it comes to shaping Colombian empanadas, there is a bit of an art form involved. I like to roll out the dough into small but thick circles and then make sure they are all about the same size. Once you have your circles ready, spoon in your filling of choice. Then, use either your hands or a fork to crimp the edges together, sealing in your filling.
NOTE: Don’t forget to add a little extra sealant like egg wash or even some melted butter! Once you have your empanadas all sealed up, they are ready for baking and then eating.
Cooking the empanadas.
When it comes to baking the empanadas, I like to brush them with a light coating of olive oil before popping them in the oven. This helps give them a nice golden brown color and also adds a bit of flavor.
Place the empanadas on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees, until the empanadas are light golden brown. Serve them up hot with a bit of sour cream or dip them in some delicious guacamole and you have yourself some truly delicious empanadas.
Fry or Air Fry the Empanadas.
When it comes to frying the empanadas, you can either do it in a pot of oil or an air fryer. I actually prefer using the air fryer because it is much healthier and easier to use than traditional deep-frying. All you have to do is preheat the air fryer for about five minutes, brush the empanadas with some oil or butter, and then set them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through cooking.
Substitutions that can be made to create gluten-free empanadas
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to Colombian empanadas, there are many options available. One popular option is to use a corn-based masa harina dough, which is cornmeal mixed with spices and water. This dough can be used to make delicious empanadas filled with your favorite ingredients without any of the gluten presents in wheat flour.
Other alternatives include using almond flour or chickpea flour as the base for your dough.
While on Restaurant, How To Make Sure Colombian Empanadas Are Gluten-Free
No matter what type of empanada you choose to make, it’s important to read and double-check the labels of all ingredients used in order to ensure that they are in fact gluten-free. At the very least, you should avoid any recipes that call for wheat flour or other wheat-based products like bread crumbs.
These snacks are everywhere in Colombia so if you are eating out, be sure to ask your server if their empanadas are made with a gluten-free option. This way, you can enjoy delicious Colombian empanadas without worrying about potential health risks!
Final Thoughts
As far as being gluten-free goes, these empanadas from Colombia are usually gluten-free. I can personally say that they are easy to make and are healthy with delicious and crunchy flavors.
On a safer note, I can say that some recipes may include wheat flour or other ingredients that contain gluten, so be sure to double-check the ingredients list before making them if you need them to be completely gluten-free.
More Healthy Holiday Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Piroshki Recipe – A classic Russian treat!
- Gluten-Free French Silk Pie Recipe
- Gluten Free Kolache Recipe (Versatile Snack)
- Are Arepas Gluten Free? (Recipe Shared)
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!
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