National Empanada Day 2023: Even if you’ve never tried empanadas, there’s a good chance you’ve tasted one of their deliciously distant relatives. Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, but can now be found in over 30 countries. The name is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word “empanar,” which means “to bake” However, some historians contend that the actual meaning is “May I have another?” This may not be a historical fact, but when National Empanada Day rolls around on April 8, we can keep the spirit alive!
On April 8, National Empanada Day, Spanish pastries take centre stage.
Empanadas are a type of Spanish-origin fried or baked pastry. The name is derived from the Spanish word ’empanar,’ which literally means ‘enbreaded,’ or breaded. In some cultures, the dough or bread used to make empanadas is stuffed with savoury fillings of meat, vegetables, and fruit. Popular in Latin American and southern European countries as well.
Empanadas can trace their origins to Portugal and Galicia (Spain.) The pastry first appeared during the Moorish invasions of Iberia in the Middle Ages. A 1520 cookbook featuring Catalan, Arabian, French, and Italian cuisine included a recipe for seafood-filled empanadas. It is widely believed that empanadas and their similar cousin, the calzone, were both inspired by samosas, a popular triangular-shaped pie in Arab and South Asian cultures.
In Portugal and Spain, empanadas are prepared for on-the-go consumption by slicing a large pie into pieces. In a tomato-garlic sauce, Portuguese and Galician empanada fillings include sardines, tuna, other types of seafood, and occasionally pork.
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Sometimes it’s best to delegate tasks to experts. This is especially true if your community has a large Latin American or Caribbean population. But even if it doesn’t, there’s no reason to worry; simply find a restaurant that serves fried pie (yes, it counts).
There are so many delicious recipes that locating one will be the most difficult task. This does not mean you cannot experiment with your own fillings. However, you will likely need the assistance of a friend or two. In addition to assisting with preparation and cleanup, the additional mouths will ensure that you are able to leave the table on your own two feet. Getting rolled away like empanada dough is probably not the desired look.
Yes, sharing food photos on social media has reached its saturation point. However, since it is a special day, why not make an exception? Whether it is a work of art or a “piece of work,” you will make someone happy. It would also be interesting to compare the results if you and your friends attempted to make empanadas from different countries. Just keep in mind that it’s all in good fun and there are no winners or losers, except for those who forgot about this glorious day.
Each Argentine region has its own version of empanadas.
Empanadas are served as an appetiser or main course at gatherings and parties in Argentina.
Empanadas are known as panades in Belize.
Empanadas are consumed in large quantities in Chile, particularly on national holidays.
Traditional Venezuelan empanadas are made from cornmeal dough.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 8 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 8 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 8 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 8 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 8 | Thursday |
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