Fried apple empanadas

0 min
hard
17 ingredients

Fried apple empanadas

Fried apple empanadas are a delicious traditional dessert that has won over palates in several Latin American countries. Their origin dates back to the combination of Spanish gastronomy and indigenous American traditions, resulting in a sweet preparation that varies slightly depending on the region. In countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, this dish is common at fairs and family celebrations, though with differences in the type of dough and filling.

In different countries, these empanadas may be known by various names. In Mexico, they are sometimes simply called "sweet apple empanadas," while in Argentina they are referred to as "fried apple empanadas" or "sweet little empanadas." In Colombia and Venezuela, although savory empanadas predominate, similar sweet versions also exist. The technique of frying the dough filled with caramelized apples adds a crispy contrast that makes them irresistible.

These empanadas reflect the cultural richness of Latin America, where each family can adapt the traditional recipe with their own seasonings, adding spices or varying the texture of the dough. They are a perfect option to enjoy at home, accompanied by coffee or ice cream, and represent the fusion of flavors and culinary techniques that are passed down from generation to generation.

How to prepare Fried Apple Empanadas

Preheat the oil for frying.

In a saucepan, melt the butter.

Add the apples and sauté for 2 minutes.

Incorporate the cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/4 cup of sugar, and brown sugar.

Continue sautéing for 1 minute, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.

Add the water and lemon juice.

Bring the liquid to a boil.

Add the cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water.

Whisk the vanilla and the mixture into the liquid.

Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft.

Remove from heat and let cool completely.

In a bowl, sift the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together.

Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, working it to form a thick dough.

Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.

On a lightly floured surface, form the dough into thin disks, about 5 inches in diameter.

Place 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of each disk, fold, and seal the edges with a fork.

Fry the pastries, two or three at a time, in the hot oil until golden brown.

Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Sprinkle the pastries with powdered sugar.

They can be served with vanilla ice cream to complement their flavor.

Fried apple empanadas

Ingredients (17)

  • Butter
  • Apples
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Sugar
  • Light Brown Sugar
  • Water
  • Lemon
  • Vanilla
  • Cornstarch
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking Powder
  • Lard
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Powdered Sugar

Instructions (20 steps)

  1. 1 Preheat the oil for frying
  2. 2 In a saucepan, melt the butter
  3. 3 Add the apples and sauté for 2 minutes
  4. 4 Incorporate the cinnamon, nutmeg, 1/4 cup of sugar, and brown sugar
  5. 5 Continue sautéing for 1 minute, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar
  6. 6 Add the water and lemon juice
  7. 7 Bring the liquid to a boil
  8. 8 Add the cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water
  9. 9 Whisk the vanilla and the mixture into the liquid
  10. 10 Reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft
  11. 11 Remove from heat and let cool completely
  12. 12 In a bowl, sift the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together
  13. 13 Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture, working to form a thick dough
  14. 14 Divide the dough into 12 equal portions
  15. 15 On a lightly floured surface, form the dough into thin disks, about 5 inches in diameter
  16. 16 Place 1/4 cup of the filling in the center of each disk, fold, and seal the edges with a fork
  17. 17 Fry the pastries, two or three at a time, in the hot oil until golden brown
  18. 18 Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels
  19. 19 Dust the pastries with powdered sugar
  20. 20 Can be served with vanilla ice cream