Bahama Breeze Empanadas Recipe

Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky, buttery pastry filled with a mouthwatering blend of savory ingredients.

This is precisely the gastronomic delight that awaits you when you prepare and indulge in a Bahama Breeze empanada.

Known for their tropical twist on a classic Latin dish, these empanadas are the perfect addition to any gathering or simple dinner at home.

The key ingredients, which include ground beef, carrots, russet potatoes, and an aromatic mixture of spices, marry harmoniously within a tender, golden pastry.

How to Make Bahama Breeze Empanadas

Ingredients List

To make Bahama Breeze Empanadas, you will need the following ingredients:

• Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/4-1/2 cup ice water

• Filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 russet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • Olive oil for cooking
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• To assemble:

  • 1 large egg, beaten for egg wash
  • Oil for frying or baking

• Dipping Sauce (Optional):

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of ground cumin

Step-by-step process

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt.

Using a pastry cutter or butter knife, cut in the cold butter and vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms.

Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped yellow onion, bell peppers, and diced russet potato.

Cook until the vegetables are softened.

Add the ground beef or ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.

Cook until browned and cooked through.

Season the filling with ground cumin, paprika, curry powder, salt, and pepper.

Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you are baking the empanadas.

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thick.

Cut out dough circles using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.

Place about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one half of each dough circle.

Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg wash, then fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

If baking, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and brush the tops with more egg wash.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

If frying, heat about 2 cups of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (180°C) and fry the empanadas until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, lime juice, ground cayenne pepper, and a pinch of ground cumin.

Serve alongside the empanadas for added flavor and enjoyment.

Enjoy your delicious Bahama Breeze Empanadas as a quick snack or part of a meal, delighting your taste buds with their savory filling and Caribbean-inspired flavors!

Side Dishes for Bahama Breeze Empanadas

Green Salad

A refreshing green salad is a great side dish option for Bahama Breeze Empanadas.

The light and crisp salad helps to balance the richness of the empanadas and provides a healthy addition to your meal.

Choose a variety of greens, such as romaine lettuce, baby spinach, and arugula, and add a simple vinaigrette dressing.

You can also incorporate vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to add color and texture.

Ingredient Substitute

In case you’re looking for alternative ingredients to customize the Bahama Breeze empanadas recipe to your preferences or dietary needs, here is a substitute options for key ingredients:

Ground Chicken

If you want to reduce the fat content in your empanadas or if you prefer poultry over red meat, ground chicken makes a great substitute for ground beef.

It’s lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef while still retaining a similar texture when cooked.

Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground chicken may cook faster than ground beef.

How to Store Bahama Breeze Empanadas

Storing Bahama Breeze Empanadas properly helps maintain their freshness and flavor.

Whether you have leftover empanadas or want to make them ahead of time, there are simple ways to ensure they’re stored well.

Refrigerator

After enjoying your Bahama Breeze Empanadas, if you have some leftovers, you can easily store them in the refrigerator.

First, let the empanadas cool to room temperature.

Then, wrap each empanada individually in plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together or drying out.

Place the wrapped empanadas in an airtight container, and they can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer

For longer storage, you can freeze the Bahama Breeze Empanadas.

Prepare the empanadas and freeze them before baking or frying.

Lay them out on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.

Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the empanadas are frozen solid.

This step prevents the empanadas from sticking together while being stored.

Once frozen, transfer the empanadas into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for convenience.

It’s a good idea to label the container with the date and contents so you can easily identify them later.

These frozen empanadas can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To enjoy your stored Bahama Breeze Empanadas, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave if refrigerated, or cook them directly from frozen (adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time) if they were frozen.

Enjoy the tasty flavors and crisp texture of these delicious pastries anytime!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the Empanadas

One common mistake is overfilling the empanadas.

You should avoid adding too much filling as it may cause the dough to break or the filling to spill out during frying.

It’s important to use the appropriate amount of filling, usually about one tablespoon per empanada.

Undercooking or Overcooking the Filling

Ensure that your filling is properly cooked.

If using raw ingredients, such as ground beef or shrimp, cook them until they are fully cooked before adding them to the dough.

If the filling is precooked, warm it up before placing it inside the empanada dough.

Keep an eye on the frying process to avoid overcooking or burning the empanadas.

Uneven Dough Thickness

Rolling the dough to an even thickness is crucial in ensuring uniform cooking and appearance.

Uneven dough can result in areas that are too thin and may break during frying or parts that are too thick, leading to an uncooked dough.

Maintain consistent pressure and motion when rolling out the dough to achieve the desired thickness.

Improper Sealing

Failing to seal the empanadas properly can lead to the filling leaking out during frying.

To correctly seal the empanada, fold the dough over the filling and use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a tight seal.

You can also use your fingers or a specialized tool to create an attractive pattern while sealing.