Empada

Empada Recipe - Traditional Brazilian Pastry with Chicken and Olives

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Empada is a traditional Brazilian savory pie that consists of a flaky crust filled with a delicious mixture of chicken, olives, and heart of palms. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or as a tasty snack.

History

Empada has its origins in Portugal, where it was brought to Brazil during the colonial period. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, making it a popular dish in Brazilian cuisine.

Ingredients

Crust

4 cups all-purpose flour
12 oz (340 g) margarine
3 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
3 tsp cold water
salt

Filling

2 boneless chicken breasts
0.5 cup chopped green olives
0.5 cup chopped heart of palms
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 chopped onion
1 tbsp oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
salt

To baste

1 egg yolk

How to prepare

Crust

Separate one egg.
In a large bowl, combine the egg yolk, remaining whole eggs, flour, margarine, baking powder, and salt.
Mix all the ingredients for about 10 minutes or until the mixture forms a dough.
While holding the bowl with one hand, gradually add spoons of cold water to the mixture until it reaches the desired dough consistency.

Filling

In a pressure cooker, combine chicken breast, chopped onion, oil, salt, and 1 cup of water.
Place the pressure cooker over medium heat and cook the chicken for 10 minutes after the regulator starts to release steam. Alternatively, cook for about 30 minutes in a saucepan.
Remove the cooked chicken and save the broth.
Chop the chicken breast and place it in a saucepan.
Add green olives, heart of palms, tomato paste, and stir in 2 tbsp of flour.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly add the saved broth to achieve a paste-like consistency.
Take small amounts of dough and press them against the mold to line it, going slightly over the edge.
Fill the mold with the chicken filling.
Create a small lid with the dough and cover the mold.
Press the edges of the lid against the mold to seal the crust, then cut off any excess dough.
Brush the top of the pies with egg yolk.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Bake the pies for about 25 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown.
Allow them to cool and then release them from the molds.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with shrimp or beef for a different flavor.
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the filling for extra nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mix the dough for the crust until it forms a smooth and elastic consistency.

- When filling the pies, be generous with the chicken mixture to ensure a flavorful bite.

- Brushing the top of the pies with egg yolk before baking will give them a beautiful golden color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Empada as a snack or appetizer with a side salad or as part of a larger meal with rice and beans.

Cooking Techniques

Use a pressure cooker to cook the chicken quickly and retain its moisture.

- Pre-bake the crust slightly before adding the filling to ensure it stays crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Replace the olives with capers or pickles for a tangy twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the pies just before baking for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Empada on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or sliced tomatoes for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Empada with a glass of Brazilian caipirinha or a refreshing fruit juice for a complete meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Empada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Empada contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Empada contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Empada contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Empada contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Empada is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, wheat, and soy. It may also contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Empada is a balanced dish that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Empada is a delicious and savory pie that combines a flaky crust with a flavorful chicken filling. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a taste of Brazilian cuisine at home.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a rainy afternoon, and I had been rummaging through my old recipe books, looking for some inspiration for dinner. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out from between the pages of a cookbook. It was a recipe for Empada, a traditional Portuguese savory pastry filled with delicious ingredients.

I had never heard of Empada before, but the ingredients listed on the paper intrigued me. Butter, flour, eggs, and a variety of fillings such as chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. It sounded like the perfect comfort food for a cozy evening at home.

I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of the steps and ingredients required. I could almost taste the flaky pastry and savory filling just by reading the instructions. Excited by the prospect of trying something new, I set out to gather the ingredients and get started on making my very first batch of Empada.

As I mixed together the dough, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down from my own mother, while others had been shared with me by friends and family. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, and I knew that Empada would soon become one of my favorites.

The dough came together beautifully, and I set it aside to rest while I prepared the filling. I decided to make a combination of chicken and vegetable Empadas, using the ingredients I had on hand in my kitchen. The smell of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air as I cooked the filling, and I knew that this was going to be a dish to remember.

Once the filling was ready, I rolled out the dough and cut it into circles to fit into the muffin tin. I filled each pastry with a generous scoop of the chicken and vegetable mixture, sealing them with a decorative crimped edge. The Empadas went into the oven to bake, and I eagerly waited for them to come out golden brown and delicious.

As the timer chimed, I opened the oven door to reveal the most beautiful Empadas I had ever seen. The pastry was flaky and golden, the filling bubbling and aromatic. I couldn't wait to taste my creation and share it with my family.

I served the Empadas hot out of the oven, their delicious scent filling the room. My family gathered around the table, eager to try this new dish I had cooked up. As they took their first bites, I watched with joy as their faces lit up with delight. The flavors of the chicken and vegetables melded together perfectly, the pastry melting in their mouths.

I knew then that Empada had become a new favorite in our household, a recipe that would be passed down through the generations. It was a dish that brought us together, creating memories and moments that would last a lifetime.

As I cleaned up the kitchen that evening, I couldn't help but smile to myself. The recipe for Empada had brought me a new culinary adventure, one that I would cherish and hold dear for years to come. And as I tucked the faded piece of paper back into my cookbook, I knew that this recipe would always have a special place in my heart.