National Empanada Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Even if you’ve never tried empanadas, there’s a high chance you’ve tasted one of their deliciously distant relatives. Empanadas originated in Galicia, Spain, but can now be found in over 30 countries. The name is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word “empanar,” which means “to bake” However, some historians contend that the actual meaning is “May I have another?” This may not be a historical fact, but when National Empanada Day rolls around on April 8, we can keep the sentiment alive!

The background of National Empanada Day

Empanadas are a variety of Spanish-origin fried or baked pastry. The name is derived from the Spanish word ’empanar,’ which literally means ‘enbreaded,’ or breaded. In some cultures, the dough or bread used to make empanadas is packed with savoury fillings of meat, vegetables, and fruit. Popular in Latin American and southern European countries as well.

Empanadas can trace their origins to Portugal and Galicia. (Spain.) The confection first appeared during the Moorish invasions of Iberia in the Middle Ages. A 1520 handbook featuring Catalan, Arabian, French, and Italian cuisine included a recipe for seafood-filled empanadas. It is widely believed that empanadas and their similar relative, the calzone, were both inspired by samosas, a popular triangular-shaped pie in Arab and South Asian cultures.

In Portugal and Spain, empanadas are prepared for on-the-go consumption by slicing a large pie into segments. In a tomato-garlic sauce, Portuguese and Galician empanada fillings include sardines, tuna, other varieties of seafood, and occasionally pork.

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NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY ACTIVITIES

Go out to dinner!

Sometimes it’s best to delegate tasks to experts. This is especially true if your community has a large Latin American or Caribbean population. But even if it doesn’t, there’s no reason to worry; simply find a restaurant that serves fried pie. (yes, it counts).

Create One’s Own at Home

There are so many delicious recipes that locating one will be the most difficult task. This does not mean you cannot experiment with your own fillings. However, you will likely need the assistance of a friend or two. In addition to assisting with preparation and cleanup, the additional mouths will ensure that you are able to exit the table on your own two feet. Getting rolled away like empanada dough is probably not the desired appearance.

Post Your Images on Social Media

Yes, sharing culinary photos on social media has reached its saturation point. However, since it is a special day, why not make an exception? Whether it is a work of art or a “piece of work,” you will make someone happy. It would also be fascinating to compare the results if you and your friends attempted to make empanadas from different countries. Just keep in mind that it’s all in good humour and there are no winners or losers, except for those who forgot about this glorious day.

5 DELICIOUS FACTS ABOUT EMPANADAS IN VARIOUS CULTURES

Each Argentine region has its own version of empanadas.

Empanadas are served as an appetiser or main course at gatherings and celebrations in Argentina.

Empanadas are known as panades in Belize.

Empanadas are consumed in significant quantities in Chile, particularly on national holidays.

Traditional Venezuelan empanadas are prepared from cornmeal dough.

NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY DATES