Empanadas have become a beloved pastry dish around the world, thanks to their delicious fillings and crispy pastry crusts. But have you ever wondered what empanadas are called in Mexico? As it turns out, there is an authentic name for these delectable treats in Mexico.
In this section, we will explore the traditional Mexican name for empanadas and discover the various local variations of this popular pastry dish in Mexico. From Northern Mexican empanadas to Southern Mexican delicacies, we’ll take a culinary journey into the world of Mexican-style empanadas.
Key Takeaways:
- Empanadas in Mexico are commonly known as “empanadas mexicanas.”
- Mexico has a rich culinary tradition, which has led to various regional variations of empanadas.
- Whether you’re enjoying Northern Mexican empanadas, Oaxacan twists, Yucatecan flavors, Veracruz coastal delights, Pueblan spices, or Southern Mexican delicacies, the world of Mexican empanadas offers a culinary adventure that is sure to satisfy any palate.
The Authentic Name: Empanadas Mexicanas
Empanadas, the delicious pastry pockets that have taken the world by storm, have their origin in Spain, and their name comes from the Spanish word “empanar,” meaning “to bake in pastry.”
In Mexico, empanadas are commonly known as “empanadas mexicanas.” These traditional Mexican empanadas are an integral part of Mexican cuisine and are known for their rich flavors and unique fillings.
Empanadas mexicanas are made by folding a flour or corn dough pastry around a filling, which can be sweet or savory. The pastry is then fried or baked until golden brown. The fillings can vary depending on the region, but some of the most common ones include meats like beef, chicken, or pork, and cheeses like queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese.
Mexican pastry pockets come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors, ranging from small and sweet to large and savory. They are often served as a snack or appetizer and can be enjoyed any time of day.
If you’re looking to experience traditional Mexican empanadas, look for “empanadas mexicanas” on the menu. These savory delights are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Regional Variations
Mexico is a country with diverse culinary traditions, and empanadas are no exception. While they are generally known as “empanadas mexicanas,” the names and ingredients of these delicious pastry pockets can vary from region to region.
In the central region of Mexico, where Mexican cuisine is at its most iconic, empanadas are often made with a filling of potatoes, chorizo, and cheese. In Puebla, a state in central Mexico, empanadas are known as “empanadas poblanas” and are typically filled with deliciously spiced meat and vegetables.
The northern region of Mexico is known for its hearty and meaty empanadas, including “empanadas norteñas” stuffed with juicy beef and chicken. The Yucatan Peninsula has its own unique style of empanadas called “empanadas yucatecas” that feature a filling of succulent pork and spices.
On the coastal regions of Mexico, especially in Veracruz and other states that border the Gulf of Mexico, empanadas take on a seafood twist. These “empanadas veracruzanas” are filled with shrimp, crab, and fish, and are a favorite among seafood lovers.
In the southern region of Mexico, empanadas are known as “empanadas sureñas,” with flavors that reflect the culinary diversity of the region. These empanadas are often filled with chicken or beef, and spiced up with a variety of herbs and spices.
Regardless of the specific name or variation, empanadas remain a staple of Mexican cooking and are a delicious way to explore the different regional flavors and traditions of this vibrant country.
Empanadas Norteñas: Northern Mexico’s Take
Empanadas norteñas, or Northern Mexican empanadas, are a regional specialty that showcases the heartiness and meatiness of the northern region’s cuisine. These empanadas are typically larger than other Mexican empanadas, making them a filling meal on their own.
One important ingredient in empanadas norteñas is beef. Whether it’s ground or shredded, beef is a staple filling for these savory pastries. Other common fillings include spicy chorizo, potatoes, and beans.
Empanadas norteñas are often served with a side of salsa or guacamole, adding a bit of extra flavor and spice. If you’re looking to try one of the many regional empanada specialties in Mexico, be sure to give empanadas norteñas a try.
Empanadas Oaxaqueñas: The Oaxacan Twist
When it comes to traditional Oaxacan cuisine, empanadas oaxaqueñas are a must-try. These savory pastries are typically filled with a variety of ingredients, including black beans, cheese, and spicy chorizo. One unique feature of Oaxacan empanadas is the use of the herb hoja santa, which adds a distinct flavor to the filling.
In addition to the traditional savory fillings, Oaxacan empanadas may also include sweet options such as pineapple and cinnamon. These sweet empanadas are often served as a dessert, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
What sets Oaxacan empanadas apart is the use of masa, a dough made from ground corn, to encase the fillings. This gives the empanadas a distinctive texture and flavor, making them a unique addition to the world of empanadas.
When visiting Oaxaca, be sure to try a few local empanadas oaxaqueñas to experience the true flavors of this iconic region.
Empanadas Yucatecas: A Taste of the Yucatan Peninsula
When it comes to Mexican cuisine, the Yucatan Peninsula is known for its unique flavors and ingredients. Empanadas yucatecas, or Yucatan-style empanadas, are no exception and offer a taste of this vibrant region.
What sets Yucatan-style empanadas apart are their fillings, which often include meats like chicken or pork, as well as ingredients like potatoes, onions, and achiote paste. Achiote paste, made from annatto seeds, adds a distinct reddish-orange color and smoky flavor to the fillings.
These empanadas are also known for their dough, which is made with corn flour instead of wheat flour. This gives them a heartier, slightly crunchy texture and a slightly sweet, corn-forward taste.
Another unique characteristic of Yucatan-style empanadas is their size. They are often larger than other types of empanadas, making them a satisfying meal on their own or a shareable appetizer for a group.
Empanadas yucatecas are a staple of Yucatecan cuisine and can be found in markets, street carts, and restaurants throughout the region. They are often served with a variety of salsas and sauces, such as a spicy habanero salsa or a cooling avocado crema.
Whether you’re exploring the Yucatan Peninsula or simply looking to try a new twist on Mexican empanadas, be sure to sample the unique flavors and textures of empanadas yucatecas.
Empanadas Veracruzanas: Coastal Delights
Veracruz, located on Mexico’s eastern coast, is famous for its seafood and its unique take on empanadas.
Veracruz-style empanadas are a deliciously different approach to the traditional pastry pockets. Its seafood-centric filling differentiates it from other regions with most commonly used ingredients being shrimp, crab, or fish, combined with tomato, onion, and peppers.
These empanadas are typically served with a side of salsa, which gives them an extra kick of flavor and spice. The combination of fresh seafood and tangy salsa is a true celebration of the flavors of the coast.
Veracruz-style empanadas are an excellent representation of the cultural influence of the state’s Afro-Caribbean roots that are deeply embedded in its regional cuisine.
Empanadas Poblanas: Spicy and Savory
Puebla, a city in central Mexico, is often regarded as the birthplace of some of the most iconic Mexican dishes. With its rich culinary heritage, Puebla presents its own version of empanadas called “empanadas poblanas.” These savory turnovers are a testament to the region’s love affair with spices and hearty fillings.
What sets Pueblan-style empanadas apart is the use of traditional ingredients like dried chili peppers, sesame seeds, and avocado leaves. The dough is typically made with flour and manteca, a type of lard. The result is a flaky pastry that crumbles in your mouth, enhancing the flavors of the filling.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | 1. In a bowl, mix flour, lard and salt. 2. Add enough warm water to make a smooth dough. 3. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. 4. Cover the dough and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. |
| 1/2 cup lard | |
| 1 tsp salt | |
| 1/2 lb. ground beef or pork | 1. Brown the meat in a skillet. 2. Drain the excess fat and set aside. |
| 1/4 cup chopped onion | |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1/2 cup diced potato | 1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the remaining fat until translucent. 2. Add the potatoes and cook until tender. 3. Add the meat to the skillet and mix together. 4. Add salt and pepper to taste |
| 1/4 cup chopped raisins | |
| 1/4 cup chopped almonds | |
| 2 tbsp. sesame seeds | |
| 1/2 tsp. anise seeds | |
| 2 tsp. dried oregano | |
| 1-2 tsp. ground cumin | |
| 1-2 dried guajillo peppers | 1. Remove the seeds and cut the peppers into small strips. 2. Toast them briefly in a dry skillet. 3. Place the strips in a bowl and pour enough boiling water to cover. 4. Soak for 20 minutes. |
| 1-2 avocado leaves, crumbled | 1. Heat the oven to 350°F. 2. Roll the dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter. 3. Fill the dough circles with the meat mixture and fold over. 4. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the dough. 5. Brush the empanadas with beaten egg. 6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. |
Pueblan cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors, and empanadas poblanas are no exception. The use of spices like anise, cumin, and oregano give these empanadas a warm, earthy flavor, while the raisins and almonds add a touch of sweetness. The guajillo peppers and avocado leaves infuse the meat filling with a smoky, slightly bitter taste that is both complex and irresistible.
Empanadas poblanas are often served as a main dish, accompanied by a side of rice, beans, or a refreshing salad. They are also a popular street food, sold by vendors in markets and festivals around Puebla.
If you’re looking to add a touch of spice and flavor to your next empanada, be sure to try the Pueblan-style empanadas. They’re a true testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Mexico.
Empanadas Sureñas: Southern Mexico’s Delicacy
When it comes to empanadas, Southern Mexico offers some of the most distinct and flavorful varieties. Known as “empanadas sureñas,” these regional specialties are a testament to the culinary diversity found throughout Mexico.
What sets empanadas sureñas apart is their unique blend of traditional ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques. The fillings for empanadas sureñas are often savory and spicy, reflecting the region’s love of bold flavors. From shredded chicken and spicy chorizo to beans and cheese, empanadas sureñas offer a mouth-watering array of options.
One popular variation of empanadas sureñas is the “empanada de cazuela.” This hot and steamy delicacy is prepared in a cazuela, or traditional clay pot. The filling is typically made with tender meat, tomatoes, and potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
Another unique aspect of empanadas sureñas is the dough. In this region, the dough is often made with masa, a type of corn flour used in many Mexican dishes. This gives the empanadas a distinctive texture and flavor, setting them apart from other varieties found throughout the country.
Empanadas sureñas are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Southern Mexico. Whether you’re exploring the flavors of Oaxaca or enjoying the coastal cuisine of Veracruz, be sure to try the empanadas sureñas for a taste of this vibrant region’s unique flavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “empanadas mexicanas” are a staple of Mexican cuisine, loved for their rich flavors and unique fillings. From Northern meaty empanadas to Oaxacan twists, Yucatecan flavors, Veracruz coastal delights, Pueblan spices, and Southern delicacies, there is a wide variety of Mexican empanadas to choose from.
Whether you prefer the savory or sweet varieties, these delicious pastry pockets are sure to please any palate. So try them all and discover your favorite!
So next time you’re looking for a tasty snack or a full meal, consider trying some “empanadas mexicanas” for a truly authentic Mexican culinary experience. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQ
Q: What are empanadas called in Mexico?
A: Empanadas are commonly known as “empanadas mexicanas” in Mexico.
Q: Are Mexican empanadas different from other types of empanadas?
A: Yes, Mexican empanadas have their own unique flavors and fillings that set them apart from other varieties.
Q: Do all regions of Mexico have their own version of empanadas?
A: Yes, Mexico is a vast country with diverse culinary traditions, and each region has its own variations of empanadas.
Q: What are some popular regional variations of Mexican empanadas?
A: Some popular regional variations of Mexican empanadas include empanadas norteñas from northern Mexico, empanadas oaxaqueñas from Oaxaca, empanadas yucatecas from the Yucatan Peninsula, empanadas veracruzanas from Veracruz, empanadas poblanas from Puebla, and empanadas sureñas from southern Mexico.
Q: What are the main ingredients used in Mexican empanadas?
A: The main ingredients used in Mexican empanadas can vary depending on the region, but common fillings include meats, cheeses, vegetables, and various spices and herbs.
Q: Are Mexican empanadas typically sweet or savory?
A: Mexican empanadas can be both sweet and savory, depending on the filling. Savory empanadas are often filled with meats and cheeses, while sweet empanadas can be filled with fruits, chocolate, or caramel.
Q: Are Mexican empanadas gluten-free?
A: Traditional Mexican empanadas are typically made with wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available for those with dietary restrictions.
Q: Can I find Mexican empanadas at Mexican restaurants outside of Mexico?
A: Yes, many Mexican restaurants outside of Mexico serve Mexican-style empanadas on their menus.
Q: Can I make Mexican empanadas at home?
A: Yes, it is possible to make Mexican empanadas at home. There are numerous recipes available that provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the dough and fillings.
Q: What are some popular accompaniments to Mexican empanadas?
A: Mexican empanadas are often served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream as dipping sauces. They can also be enjoyed with a side of rice and beans.