Indulge in the savory flavors of Costa Rica with this traditional Empanadas recipe. Embracing the vibrant culinary heritage of the region, these delightful pastries are filled with a medley of ingredients that tantalize the taste buds and evoke the essence of Central American cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or a main course, these Costa Rican Empanadas are sure to transport you to the sun-kissed shores and lush landscapes of this tropical paradise. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary journey to savor the authentic flavors of Costa Rica.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or beef
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 cup grated cheese (such as mozzarella or queso blanco)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the diced butter and incorporate it into the flour using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Make the Filling:

1- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

2- Add the shredded chicken or beef to the skillet, along with the cooked black beans, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Assemble the Empanadas:

1- Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).

2- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a round cutter or a small plate, cut out circles of dough.

3- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges. Sprinkle grated cheese over the filling.

4- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to secure. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Fry the Empanadas:

1- Carefully place the assembled empanadas into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

2- Remove the fried empanadas from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining empanadas.

Serve and Enjoy:Serve the hot empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or chimichurri. Enjoy the delicious flavors of Costa Rica in every crispy bite!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Costa Rican Empanadas recipe:

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 880
• Carbohydrates: 184g
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and serves as the main component of the dough, giving structure to the empanadas.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:Enhances flavor and helps to balance the taste of the dish.

Cold Water (1/2 cup):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:Used to hydrate the dough and bind the ingredients together.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 813
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 92g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds richness and flavor to the dough, contributing to its texture and golden color when fried.

Egg (1 large):

• Calories: 72
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Protein: 6.3g
• Fat: 4.8g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Used for the egg wash, which adds shine and helps to seal the edges of the empanadas while baking or frying.

Cooked and Shredded Chicken or Beef (1 cup):

• Calories: 231 (for chicken) / 339 (for beef)
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 43g (for chicken) / 34g (for beef)
• Fat: 5g (for chicken) / 22g (for beef)
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Cooked Black Beans (1 cup):

• Calories: 227
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 15g

benefits:High in fiber and protein, black beans provide sustained energy and contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Grated Cheese (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 37g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:Adds flavor and creaminess to the filling, as well as providing calcium and protein.

Diced Bell Peppers (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 2.7g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:Rich in vitamins A and C, bell peppers add color, flavor, and a nutritional boost to the filling.

Diced Onions (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 24
• Carbohydrates: 5.6g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Fiber: 0.9g

benefits:Enhance the flavor profile of the filling and provide antioxidants and sulfur compounds beneficial for health.

Minced Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 9
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0.4g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:Adds depth of flavor to the filling and contains allicin, a compound with potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0.4g

benefits:Adds warmth and earthiness to the filling, while also providing antioxidants and aiding digestion.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Fiber: 0.7g

benefits:Contributes a smoky, sweet flavor to the filling and contains antioxidants like beta-carotene.

Vegetable Oil for Frying:

• Calories: Approximately 120 per tablespoon

benefits:Used to fry the empanadas, providing a crispy exterior and delicious flavor.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brands, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.