Empanadillas and empanadas are savory, dough-filled delights. These handheld snacks are known for their golden, crispy crusts and tasty fillings, which can range from meats to vegetables. While they share many similarities—like being filled and folded pastries—one key feature sets them apart: their size.
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What is an Empanadilla?
Empanadillas are smaller versions of the empanada, commonly found in Spain, Latin America, and parts of the Caribbean. The word “empanadilla” means “little empanada” in Spanish, and these mini pastries are often served as snacks or appetizers. They are typically filled with meat, cheese, or seafood, and the dough is either fried or baked to a crisp. Because of their smaller size, empanadillas are great for casual eating, often sold as street food or enjoyed at parties.
Empanadillas have a thinner crust compared to empanadas and are usually made with flour-based dough. While the fillings may vary depending on the region, they often include a mixture of ground beef, tuna, or cheese, along with seasonings like garlic, onion, and peppers.
What is an Empanada?
An empanada is a larger pastry that originated in Spain but is popular across many Latin American countries. The name “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar,” which means “to wrap or coat in bread.” True to its name, the empanada has a thick, often bread-like crust, which is perfect for holding a hearty filling. Empanadas are commonly baked, though some regions prefer frying them, and they can be filled with meats like chicken, beef, or pork, as well as vegetables, cheese, or even sweet ingredients like fruit.
The crust of an empanada is usually made from a sturdier dough, such as one that incorporates cornmeal or a thicker pastry base. This helps the empanada hold more substantial fillings, making it more of a meal than a snack.
Differences Between Empanadillas and Empanadas
Size
The first noticeable difference is the size. Empanadillas are much smaller than empanadas, usually fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. Empanadas, on the other hand, are larger and can be a filling dish on their own. Empanadillas are typically enjoyed as snacks or appetizers, while empanadas are more of a full meal.
Dough Thickness
Another key difference is the thickness of the dough. Empanadillas have a thinner crust, which allows for quick cooking and a crispier texture. In contrast, empanadas have a thicker, sometimes more bread-like crust that can hold heavier fillings.
The difference in dough thickness also affects how each pastry is prepared; empanadillas are often fried for extra crunch, while empanadas are commonly baked, though they can also be fried.
Cooking Methods
While both empanadillas and empanadas can be fried or baked, the cooking method can vary depending on the region. Empanadillas are more commonly fried, especially in Caribbean cuisine, giving them a distinct, crunchy bite. Empanadas, on the other hand, are often baked, especially in Spain and Latin American countries like Argentina, which gives them a softer and more doughy exterior.
