National Empanada Day was this past weekend on April 8th, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate at your favorite Merrimack restaurants! At El Tapatio, we have many different empanadas on our menu, which shows what a versatile food they are. So whether you’re trying them for the first time or they’re one of your favorites, we’ll have something that you like.
But what are empanadas, exactly? It’s all well and good to say that they are delicious and versatile, but that doesn’t tell you much if you don’t know what food we’re talking about!
A Spanish Import
Like so many Mexican foods, empanadas originated in Spain and then took on traditional Mexican flavors. The Spanish originally made empanadas as a portable food for soldiers and travelers to eat on the road. They were a simple way to contain a complete meal in one package and travelers could easily heat them up over the fire. But they are also good cold, meaning that you could still eat without stopping to make camp if there wasn’t time for a rest.
Empanadas made their way from Spain to Central and South America and then onto the menus of Merrimack restaurants!
Good for Every Meal
Empanadas are a savory food you can eat as an appetizer, snack, or even a meal. The fillings are placed inside a dough wrapper that is either baked or fried. The flaky, crispy dough contrasts with the cooked ingredients inside. Now that we don’t have to eat them on the road anymore, we often pair empanadas with dipping sauces like salsa or chimichurri for extra flavor.
Endless Combinations
There is essentially no limit to what you can put inside an empanada. Meat, vegetables, cheese, and spices are common fillings, but eggs and seafood are also common. Different regions in Central and South America have their own particular fillings and combinations that showcase their local flavors.
Try Empanadas at Your Favorite Merrimack Restaurants!
National Empanada Day may have come and gone, but there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying them now! We like to think of Empanada Day as an ongoing celebration. Bring your friends and family to El Tapatio and enjoy some empanadas together!