Empanadas, those delicious pastry pockets filled with savory ingredients, are a staple in many Latin American countries. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, side dish, or main course, empanadas are always a treat. But what is traditionally served with empanadas to elevate their flavor and texture? In this article, we’ll explore the classic pairings that will take your empanada game to the next level.
A Brief History of Empanadas
Before we dive into the traditional pairings, let’s take a brief look at the history of empanadas. These pastry pockets have their roots in Latin America, where they were introduced by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers. Over time, empanadas evolved and were adapted by different countries, each adding their unique twist and fillings.
In Argentina, empanadas are a staple at asados (barbecues), while in Chile, they’re a popular street food. In Colombia, empanadas are often served as a snack or appetizer, and in Cuba, they’re a favorite at parties and gatherings. Despite their differences, empanadas are a beloved food throughout Latin America, and their versatility has led to a wide range of traditional pairings.
Traditional Beverages
When it comes to pairing empanadas with beverages, there are several traditional options that complement their flavor and texture.
Soft Drinks
In many Latin American countries, empanadas are paired with soft drinks like Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite. These sweet and fizzy drinks help balance the savory flavors of the empanadas. In Argentina, for example, it’s common to enjoy empanadas with a glass of Coca-Cola or Fanta.
Beer
Beer is another popular pairing for empanadas, especially in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. A cold beer helps wash down the richness of the empanadas, and its bitterness cuts through the savory flavors. Some popular beer pairings include:
- Quilmes (Argentina): A crisp, refreshing lager that pairs well with beef or chicken empanadas.
- Escudo (Chile): A malty, caramel-flavored beer that complements the sweetness of cheese or seafood empanadas.
- Aguila (Colombia): A light, easy-drinking beer that pairs well with chicken or beef empanadas.
Wine
For a more sophisticated pairing, wine is a great option. In countries like Argentina and Chile, wine is often paired with empanadas, especially those filled with meat or cheese. Some popular wine pairings include:
- Torrontés (Argentina): A crisp, citrusy white wine that pairs well with chicken or seafood empanadas.
- Carménère (Chile): A smooth, fruity red wine that complements the richness of beef or lamb empanadas.
Traditional Sides
In addition to beverages, empanadas are often served with traditional sides that enhance their flavor and texture.
Salads
A simple green salad or a more substantial grain salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas. Some popular salad pairings include:
- Ensalada de Palmito (Argentina): A heart of palm salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Ensalada de Quinoa (Chile): A quinoa salad with roasted vegetables, mixed greens, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini can provide a nice contrast in texture to the crispy empanadas. Simply brush the vegetables with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender.
Salsa Criolla
Salsa criolla is a spicy, tangy condiment made with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers. It’s a classic pairing for empanadas in many Latin American countries, adding a burst of flavor and heat.
Traditional Desserts
Finally, no meal is complete without dessert. In many Latin American countries, empanadas are followed by traditional desserts that provide a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Dulce de Leche
Dulce de leche is a caramel-like spread made from sweetened condensed milk. It’s a popular dessert in many Latin American countries, often served with empanadas or used as a filling.
Flan
Flan is a creamy, caramel-topped custard that’s a staple in many Latin American countries. It’s a classic pairing for empanadas, providing a smooth, sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Tres Leches Cake
Tres leches cake is a moist, creamy sponge cake soaked in three types of milk (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream). It’s a popular dessert in many Latin American countries, often served with empanadas or as a standalone treat.
Conclusion
Empanadas are a delicious and versatile food that can be paired with a wide range of traditional beverages, sides, and desserts. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, side dish, or main course, empanadas are always a treat. By exploring the classic pairings outlined in this article, you’ll be able to elevate your empanada game and experience the rich flavors and traditions of Latin American cuisine.
| Country | Traditional Pairings |
|---|---|
| Argentina | Quilmes beer, Torrontés wine, Ensalada de Palmito, Dulce de Leche |
| Chile | Escudo beer, Carménère wine, Ensalada de Quinoa, Salsa Criolla |
| Colombia | Aguila beer, Ajiaco (chicken soup), Patacones (fried green plantains), Arequipe (caramel sauce) |
By exploring these traditional pairings, you’ll be able to experience the rich flavors and traditions of Latin American cuisine and take your empanada game to the next level.
What are traditional empanada pairings in Latin American cuisine?
Empanadas are a staple in Latin American cuisine, and their pairings vary depending on the country and region. In Argentina, for example, empanadas are often served as a snack or appetizer, paired with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. In Chile, empanadas are typically served with a side of pebre, a spicy salsa made with chili peppers, garlic, and herbs. In Colombia, empanadas are often served with a side of ají amarillo sauce, a spicy yellow pepper sauce.
These traditional pairings not only complement the flavors of the empanadas but also add to the overall cultural experience of enjoying these delicious pastries. Whether you’re in a restaurant or at a street food stall, trying empanadas with their traditional pairings is a must-try experience when exploring Latin American cuisine.
What types of beverages are commonly served with empanadas?
Empanadas can be paired with a variety of beverages, depending on the country and region. In many Latin American countries, empanadas are often served with a glass of fresh juice, such as orange or grapefruit. In Argentina and Chile, empanadas are commonly paired with a glass of red wine, such as Malbec or Carmenère. In Colombia and Venezuela, empanadas are often served with a cold beer or a glass of aguardiente, a strong anise-flavored spirit.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, empanadas can also be paired with a glass of fresh-squeezed limeade or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. The key is to find a beverage that complements the flavors of the empanada without overpowering them. Experimenting with different pairings can help you find your favorite way to enjoy empanadas.
Can empanadas be served as a main course?
While empanadas are often served as a snack or appetizer, they can also be served as a main course, especially in some Latin American countries. In Argentina, for example, empanadas are often served as a main course, especially in casual, rustic restaurants. In Chile, empanadas are sometimes served as a main course, especially when filled with seafood or meat.
When serving empanadas as a main course, it’s common to pair them with a side dish, such as a salad or a bowl of soup. This helps to round out the meal and provide a more filling and satisfying experience. Empanadas can also be served with a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, which can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
What are some popular empanada fillings that pair well with salsa?
Many empanada fillings pair well with salsa, especially those that feature meat, cheese, or vegetables. Some popular empanada fillings that pair well with salsa include beef, chicken, and cheese. In some Latin American countries, empanadas are also filled with seafood, such as shrimp or fish, which can be paired with a spicy salsa for added flavor.
When pairing empanadas with salsa, it’s best to choose a salsa that complements the flavors of the filling. For example, a spicy salsa might pair well with a beef or chicken empanada, while a milder salsa might be better suited to a cheese or vegetable empanada. Experimenting with different salsa pairings can help you find your favorite way to enjoy empanadas.
Can empanadas be paired with sweet toppings or fillings?
While empanadas are often associated with savory fillings and toppings, they can also be paired with sweet toppings or fillings. In some Latin American countries, empanadas are filled with sweet ingredients, such as dulce de leche, Nutella, or fruit. These sweet empanadas can be paired with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, caramel sauce, or chopped nuts.
Sweet empanadas are often served as a dessert or snack, and can be a delicious alternative to traditional sweet treats. When pairing sweet empanadas with toppings, it’s best to choose ingredients that complement the flavors of the filling. For example, a dulce de leche empanada might be paired with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
What are some popular empanada pairings in Spanish cuisine?
While empanadas are a staple in Latin American cuisine, they are also enjoyed in Spanish cuisine, where they are often paired with a variety of ingredients. In Spain, empanadas are often filled with seafood, such as shrimp or fish, and paired with a side of alioli, a garlic mayonnaise. Empanadas can also be filled with chorizo or other cured meats, and paired with a side of olives or pickles.
When pairing empanadas in Spanish cuisine, it’s common to choose ingredients that complement the flavors of the filling. For example, a seafood empanada might be paired with a side of lemon wedges or a drizzle of olive oil. Experimenting with different pairings can help you find your favorite way to enjoy empanadas in Spanish cuisine.
Can empanadas be paired with other Latin American dishes?
Empanadas can be paired with a variety of other Latin American dishes, such as tacos, grilled meats, and rice bowls. In some Latin American countries, empanadas are served as a side dish, especially in casual, rustic restaurants. Empanadas can also be paired with other Latin American street foods, such as arepas or churros.
When pairing empanadas with other Latin American dishes, it’s best to choose ingredients that complement the flavors of the empanada. For example, a beef empanada might be paired with a taco or a grilled steak, while a cheese empanada might be paired with a bowl of rice or beans. Experimenting with different pairings can help you find your favorite way to enjoy empanadas in Latin American cuisine.