Delicious Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe to Transport You to the Tropics

Introduction

Empanadas are a popular dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries, and the Bahama Breeze empanada recipe brings a taste of the tropics straight to your kitchen. Bursting with flavorful fillings and wrapped in a flaky, golden crust, these empanadas are the perfect addition to any gathering or simply as a delicious meal for yourself. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring a little taste of the Bahamas home!

Ingredients

For the empanada dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the empanada filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup pitted green olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins

Directions

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and ice water together. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or chicken and cook until browned. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the olives and raisins, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
3. Assemble the empanadas: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut circles using a round cutter or a small plate. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake the empanadas: Beat an egg and brush the empanadas with the egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the empanadas are golden brown.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the empanadas ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the empanadas up to the point of baking and freeze them. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I use a different filling?

A: Absolutely! Empanadas are versatile, and you can customize the filling to your preference. Some popular alternatives include cheese and spinach, black beans and corn, or even a sweet fruit filling for dessert empanadas.

Q: What can I serve with Bahama Breeze empanadas?

A: These empanadas pair wonderfully with a side of fresh mango salsa, a crisp green salad, or a side of rice and beans to create a complete Caribbean-inspired meal.