Sourdough Empanadas Recipe

Introduction

This sourdough empanadas recipe is all about making a warm and tasty hand held meal using simple home baking skills. Empanadas are small filled pastries that are baked or cooked until golden and soft. In this recipe the dough is made with sourdough starter which gives it a gentle flavor and soft texture. The filling can be made with meat or vegetables or cheese depending on what you like. This recipe is written in a very easy way so even if you have never made empanadas before you can feel confident. The goal is to help you enjoy baking and cooking at home without stress. These sourdough empanadas bring comfort food and homemade goodness together in one lovely dish.

People love sourdough empanadas because they taste rich and satisfying while still feeling homemade and special. The sourdough dough feels softer and lighter than many store doughs. It also has a deeper taste that makes each bite more enjoyable. The filling inside is warm and full of flavor which makes empanadas very comforting. Many people enjoy them as a snack a lunch or even dinner. They are easy to hold and easy to share. Families love them because everyone can choose a filling they enjoy. Friends love them because they are perfect for gatherings and parties.

You can make sourdough empanadas when you want something cozy and filling. They are great for weekends when you have more time to cook. They are also perfect when you want to use extra sourdough starter in a creative way. Making empanadas can feel relaxing and joyful. Rolling the dough and filling each piece with care can help you slow down and enjoy the moment. The smell of baking empanadas can make your home feel warm and welcoming. They are also a good choice if you want homemade food that feels more balanced and less processed. The sourdough may be easier on digestion for many people and the fillings can be full of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients You Will Need

Ingredients for the sourdough dough

1. One cup active sourdough starter at room temperature

2. Three cups all purpose flour

3. One teaspoon salt

4. Two tablespoons olive oil

5. Half cup warm water

Ingredients for a simple meat filling

1. One tablespoon olive oil

2. One small onion finely chopped

3. Two cloves garlic minced

4. One cup cooked ground beef or chicken

5. Half teaspoon salt

6. Half teaspoon black pepper

7. Half teaspoon paprika

8. Half teaspoon cumin

9. Two tablespoons tomato sauce

Ingredients for brushing

1. One egg

2. One tablespoon water

Step by Step Method

Step one prepare the sourdough dough
Start by placing the sourdough starter into a large mixing bowl. Make sure the starter is active and bubbly. Add the flour and salt into the bowl. Mix gently with a spoon. Add olive oil and warm water slowly. Mix until a soft dough forms. Use your hands to bring the dough together. Place the dough on a clean surface and knead it gently for about five minutes. The dough should feel smooth and soft. If it feels sticky add a little flour. If it feels dry add a small splash of water. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rest for one hour at room temperature.

Step two prepare the filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and clear. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Add the cooked meat and stir well. Add salt pepper paprika and cumin. Mix everything together. Add tomato sauce and stir again. Let the filling cook for five minutes. Turn off the heat and let the filling cool completely. This step is important because hot filling can damage the dough.

Step three divide the dough
After the dough has rested place it on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into equal small pieces. Each piece should be about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Cover them with a cloth so they do not dry out.

Step four roll the dough
Take one dough ball and flatten it slightly with your hand. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a round circle. The circle should be about five inches wide. Try to keep the thickness even. Repeat this step for all dough balls.

Step five fill the empanadas
Place one to two tablespoons of the cooled filling in the center of each dough circle. Do not overfill. Fold the dough over the filling to make a half moon shape. Press the edges together with your fingers. You can also use a fork to seal the edges. This helps keep the filling inside during baking.

Step six prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the empanadas on the tray leaving space between them. In a small bowl beat the egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush the top of each empanada with the egg wash. This gives them a golden color when baked.

Step seven bake the empanadas
Place the tray in the preheated oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes. The empanadas should look golden and firm. Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step eight serve and enjoy
Serve the sourdough empanadas warm. You can enjoy them on their own or with a simple sauce or salad. They taste great fresh from the oven and also reheat well.

Why This Recipe Is Special

This sourdough empanadas recipe is special because it combines traditional comfort food with natural fermentation. The sourdough dough gives a soft texture and gentle taste that makes these empanadas stand out. Many people find sourdough easier to digest than regular dough. This can make the meal feel lighter and more enjoyable.

The recipe is also very flexible. You can change the filling to suit your taste or needs. You can use vegetables cheese beans or different meats. This makes the recipe perfect for families with different preferences. You can also make the empanadas small for snacks or larger for meals.

Another reason this recipe is special is that it uses simple ingredients. There are no artificial flavors or additives. Everything is made at home with care. This helps you feel more connected to your food and confident about what you eat. The taste is rich comforting and satisfying without being heavy.

Extra Tips for Better Taste

You can add chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to the filling for fresh flavor.

If you like spice add a pinch of chili powder or chopped chili to the filling.

For a softer dough you can let the dough rest longer before rolling.

Try brushing the empanadas with melted butter after baking for extra richness.

Serve with a simple yogurt sauce or fresh salsa for extra taste.

You can freeze unbaked empanadas and bake them later when needed.

Final Thoughts

Making sourdough empanadas at home is a rewarding and joyful experience. This recipe is written to help beginners feel confident and relaxed in the kitchen. The steps are simple and the ingredients are easy to find. The result is a warm and comforting food that can be shared with family and friends. Sourdough empanadas are perfect for many moments from quiet dinners to happy gatherings. When you make them at home you add your own care and love to each piece. That is what makes them truly special.

Nutrition Details

Nutrition information per one empanada serving

Calories about two hundred fifty
Protein about ten grams
Carbohydrates about thirty grams
Fat about ten grams
Fiber about two grams

Nutrition notes
Sourdough dough may support easier digestion for some people.
Homemade fillings allow better control of ingredients.
Balanced portions help support healthy eating habits.

Disclaimer

This recipe is shared for general cooking enjoyment and learning. Everyone body is different and reacts differently to foods. Nutrition values are estimates and may change based on ingredients used. If you have health concerns or food allergies please adjust the recipe or speak with a health professional. Enjoy cooking and listen to your body.