Empadão is a beloved Brazilian dish known for its delicious, comforting flavors. This traditional pie features a crispy crust filled with a rich mixture that can include chicken, beef, shrimp, or cheese. A versatile dish, Empadão represents the rich culinary heritage of Brazil, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
The word "Empadão" in Portuguese means "big pie," and it is a traditional Brazilian comfort food with roots tracing back to Portuguese cuisine. The dish began with the influence of Portuguese settlers in Brazil who brought savory pie recipes. Over time, the Empadão recipe evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, and today it remains a popular choice at family gatherings and celebratory events throughout Brazil, symbolizing the country's rich and diverse culinary traditions.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter (unsalted, cold, cut into cubes)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, butter, egg yolk, and salt until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Gradually add cold water and knead until the dough comes together.
3. Divide the dough in half. Roll out the first half on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
4. Place the rolled-out dough in a 9-inch pie pan and trim any excess.
5. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
6. Add the shredded chicken, olives, peas, corn, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
7. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared pie crust.
8. Roll out the second half of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
9. Place the rolled-out dough over the chicken mixture and trim the edges.
10. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the pie together.
11. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg.
12. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
13. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips:
- Feel free to experiment with different fillings like beef, shrimp, or cheese. Simply replace the chicken with your preferred ingredient.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, C, and K
- Minerals: Contains iron, calcium, and phosphorus
Note: These values are estimates and depend on the serving size and specific ingredients used.
1. 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: Approximately 1365
- Carbohydrates: 285g
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate)
- Minerals: Iron, calcium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and is a source of dietary fiber if unbleached or whole wheat flour is used.
2. 1 cup butter (unsalted, cold, cut into cubes)
- Calories: Approximately 1628
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 184g
- Sodium: 14mg
- Cholesterol: 488mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, and E
- Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor; provides fat-soluble vitamins but should be consumed in moderation due to high saturated fat content.
3. 1 egg yolk
- Calories: Approximately 55
- Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Protein: 2.7g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Cholesterol: 184mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin A, D, E, and B12
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that support vision, bone health, and immune function.
4. 1 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2325mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium and chloride
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function but should be consumed in moderation due to the high sodium content.
5. 1/2 cup cold water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Helps bind ingredients and maintain dough texture.
6. 1 onion, chopped
- Calories: Approximately 44
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Potassium, phosphorus, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds; supports immune health and digestion.
7. 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Calories: Approximately 9
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Fat: 0.1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C and B6
- Minerals: Manganese, selenium, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants; supports heart health, boosts immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
8. 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
- Calories: Approximately 748
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 140g
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 164mg
- Cholesterol: 396mg
- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins (niacin, B6)
- Minerals: Iron, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: High-quality lean protein source that supports muscle growth and repair; low in fat.
9. 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
- Calories: Approximately 70
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 735mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E
- Minerals: Iron and copper
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
10. 1/2 cup peas
- Calories: Approximately 62
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, K, and A
- Minerals: Iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients that support digestive health and immunity.
11. 1/2 cup corn
- Calories: Approximately 66
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin B1 (thiamin), B9 (folate)
- Minerals: Magnesium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy and fiber; supports digestive health and helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
12. 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Calories: Approximately 29
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, A, and lycopene
- Minerals: Potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
13. Salt and pepper to taste
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: Depends on the amount used
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Trace amounts of minerals depending on the source
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor; pepper contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and has antioxidant properties.
14. 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- Calories: Approximately 70
- Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E, B12
- Minerals: Selenium, iron, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides additional protein, enhances the color and sheen of the crust, and adds essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
This comprehensive breakdown provides an understanding of the nutritional content and benefits of each ingredient, which contributes to the overall healthiness and flavor of the Brazilian Empadão.
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