This is a guest post by Katherine Robinson. Katherine Robinson is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about her travel experiences which may be useful to other travellers.
Empanadas are one of my favourite snacks or dishes and are very similar to the British Cornish pasties. In fact, empanadas are eaten all over Latin America and they vary slightly from country to country. For example, in Mexico, empanadas are usually eaten for breakfast or as a dessert and they often have a sweet filling.
What is an empanada?
An empanada is a pastry filled with meat, fruit, cheese and vegetables. It is then placed in the oven or fried. In Mexico, some of the most popular sweet fillings are pumpkin, sweet potato or yams. The most common type of empanada you will find is filled with mince meat, onions and cheese. You will also come across chicken and cheese empanadas in some parts of the country. Personally, my favourite are fried chicken and cheese empanadas…..but you have to make sure they are well made. The pastry must be thin and not dripping in oil.
Where does it originate from?
You should travel to the Mexican state of Hidalgo if you want to sample empanadas. In Hidalgo they are referred to as both empanadas and pastes and according to evidence, they originate from the famous Cornish pasties which were brought to Mexico by British miners.
Hidalgo is a state in the east of Mexico and its capital and largest city is Pachuca de Soto. You should look for cheap flights to Mexico City as it is just 56 miles from Pachuca de Soto. You are more likely to find cheap airline tickets to Mexico City as it is the main gateway to the country and receives all international flights. British Airways, American Airlines and Aeromexico are just some of the airlines which operate to this hub. From the Mexico City Airport you can hire a car or take a bus to Pachuca.
Photo credit: via flickr
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Technically speaking, from what I’ve been told anyway, empanadas and pastes are different. With one the filling is cooked before being put in the pastry and the other (paste, I think) should have the filling cooked inside the pastry.
I think you’re right actually! I usually prefer empanadas myself.
I’m happy with either type. I did find a really good paste shop in the Calle Regina area of DF – but not that street itself – I forget exactly where, but in that area.
And I did make it to Pachuca and Real del Monte just before I left Mexico to sample some of the proper pastes. They got a thumbs up from me!
But the way…would be great if you could install a ‘Notify me of future comments’ plugin in your blog, so I can keep up with any conversations!
I remember seeing that paste shop mentioned on your blog, I’ll have to check it out since I’m in that area of the city pretty often. I have yet to visit Pachuca or Real de Monte but they’re both on my list.
Plugin installed, hope that helps!