Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this mouth-watering Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe. Imagine the sun setting on a beautiful Bahama beach as you bite into a delicious empanada, its flaky pastry giving way to a savory, spicy filling that transports you straight to paradise. If you’re looking to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen, this recipe is your culinary passport. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to recreate the magic of Bahama Breeze in their home kitchen? This article will guide you through making the yummiest empanadas you’ve ever tasted, filled with the most delicious ingredients the internet can muster.
Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe Overview
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Total Servings: 8-10 empanadas
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Equipment Needed
Before embarking on our culinary adventure to recreate the Bahama Breeze empanada recipe, let’s make sure we have all the necessary equipment. You’ll feel like a seasoned Caribbean chef in no time with these tools in hand. The following items will be your best friends in the kitchen:
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Fork
- Oven
Ingredients for Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Butter, cold and cubed | 3/4 cup |
| Water | 4-5 tablespoons |
| Ground beef | 500g |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Bell pepper, finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Egg, beaten | 1 (for egg wash) |
Step by Step Instructions
Making the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt.
- Add Butter: Work the cold, cubed butter into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: For at least 30 minutes, put the dough in the fridge while it’s wrapped in plastic wrap.
Preparing the Filling
- Cook the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until it turns brown.. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Let the filling cool down.
Assembling the Empanadas
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut Circles: Use a round cutter to cut out dough circles.
- Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the filling onto each dough circle.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. An fork can be used to press the edges together to seal them.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with beaten egg.
Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Additional Tips for Perfect Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe
- Freeze for Later: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen and baked straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Want it spicier? Add some chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Serve with Dips: Enhance the Bahama Breeze empanada recipe experience by serving these beauties with a side of creamy avocado dip or a tangy mango salsa.
Nutrition in Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 390mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
What Makes Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe Delicious
The secret to the deliciousness of the Bahama Breeze empanada recipe lies in its perfect blend of spices, the flakiness of the pastry, and the juiciness of the filling. Every bite takes you on a mini-vacation, with flavors so vibrant, you’ll almost hear the waves crashing and feel the warm tropical breeze.
FAQs about Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! While homemade dough adds a special touch, store-bought pastry dough is a great time-saver and yields delicious results.
What can I use instead of beef?
Chicken or minced turkey are excellent alternatives, keeping the recipe just as tasty.
How do I prevent the empanadas from opening while baking?
Ensure the edges are well sealed by pressing them with a fork and avoid overfilling.
Can I fry these empanadas instead of baking?
Yes, for a crispier texture, you can deep-fry the empanadas in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
How long can I store the baked empanadas?
You can put them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to three months. For best results, heat it up again in the oven.
Conclusion
There you have it, a step-by-step guide to making the most delicious Bahama Breeze empanada recipe. Whether you’re hosting a tropical-themed party or just craving something savory and satisfying, these empanadas are sure to impress. Remember, the key to great empanadas is love, patience, and a bit of Caribbean flair. So, put on some island tunes, get cooking, and enjoy the taste of the Bahamas from the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!
Check out some more delicious appetizers:
- Papas Locas Recipe: Dive into Flavor Paradise
- Wegmans Garlic Tuscan Bread Recipe: A Culinary Journey
- Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe: A Party Favorite
- Tijuana Flats Queso Recipe: A Cheesy Delight
- Ponderosa Chicken Wings Recipe: A Culinary Adventure
Bahama Breeze Empanada Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Fork
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Butter cold and cubed
- 4-5 tablespoons Water
- 500 g Ground beef
- 1 medium Onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Bell pepper finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- To taste Salt
- To taste Black pepper
- 1 Egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
Making the Dough
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and a pinch of salt.
- Add Butter: Work the cold, cubed butter into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until a dough forms.
- Chill the Dough: For at least 30 minutes, put the dough in the fridge while it’s wrapped in plastic wrap.
Preparing the Filling
- Cook the Beef: Cook the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until it turns brown.. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Let the filling cool down.
Assembling the Empanadas
- Roll the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut Circles: Use a round cutter to cut out dough circles.
- Add Filling: Place a spoonful of the filling onto each dough circle.
- Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. An fork can be used to press the edges together to seal them.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top of each empanada with beaten egg.
Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Freeze for Later: Unbaked empanadas can be frozen and baked straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Want it spicier? Add some chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Serve with Dips: Enhance the Bahama Breeze empanada recipe experience by serving these beauties with a side of creamy avocado dip or a tangy mango salsa.
