Pabellón empanadas are a delicious reinvention of one of Venezuela's most emblematic dishes: pabellón criollo. This culinary creation combines the traditional flavors of the pavilion in a portable and versatile format, perfect to enjoy at any time of the day.
In this article, we will guide you step by step to prepare these exquisite empanadas, exploring their history, ingredients, and the cultural significance they have for Venezuelans in the United States and around the world.
You have little time? Here's everything you need to know to prepare Venezuelan pavilion empanadas:
- What are they?: Empanadas filled with the ingredients of the Creole pavilion (shredded meat, black beans, ripe banana and cheese).
- Main ingredients: Precooked corn flour, shredded meat, black beans, ripe banana, cheese.
- Preparation time: Approximately 1 hour.
- Difficulty: Half. It takes practice to seal the empanadas well.
- Pairing: Excellent with guasacaca, hot pepper, cold beer or malt.
This summary provides a concise overview of the key points about Venezuelan pavilion empanadas. Would you like to delve deeper into the recipe, history and cultural significance of this dish? Continue reading the full article.
What is the Criollo Pavilion?
Before we dive into the empanada recipe, it is essential to understand what pabellón criollo is. This traditional Venezuelan dish is a harmonious combination of shredded meat, black beans (black beans), white rice and fried ripe plantain. Each component represents a part of the rich history and cultural diversity of Venezuela:
- Shredded meat symbolizes Spanish influence and livestock tradition.
- The black beans represent African heritage.
- White rice reflects European influence.
- The fried ripe plantain is a nod to indigenous and Caribbean roots.
The idea of incorporating these elements into an empanada arose as an innovative way to enjoy all these flavors in a more convenient and portable format, ideal for the fast-paced life in cities like Miami, New York or Los Angeles, where many Venezuelans and Latinos have made their home.
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Ingredients for Pabellón Empanadas
To make approximately 12 pavilion empanadas, you will need:
For the mass:
- 500 g (17.6 oz) pre-cooked corn flour (such as PAN brand)
- 500 ml (16.9 ml) warm water
- 5 g (0.18 oz) salt
For the filling:
- 300 g (10.6 oz) shredded beef (you can use our frozen prepared meats)
- 200 g (7 oz) cooked black beans
- 2 ripe bananas
- 100 g (3.5 oz) grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
Step by Step: Preparation of Pabellón Empanadas
- Preparation of the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the corn flour with the salt.
- Add the warm water little by little, kneading until you obtain a smooth and manageable texture.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Preparation of the filling:
- If you are using our frozen shredded meat, defrost it according to package instructions.
- Heat the black beans.
- Cut the bananas into slices and fry them until golden.
- Assembling the empanadas:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape into balls.
- Flatten each ball between two pieces of plastic wrap using a plate or the bottom of a frying pan.
- Place in the center of each disc: a spoonful of shredded meat, a spoonful of beans, a piece of fried plantain and a little grated cheese.
- Fold the dough in half and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
- Cooking:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the empanadas until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Drain on absorbent paper.
Approximate Nutritional Table (per empanada)
| nourisher | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 Kcal |
| Proteins | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fats | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Pairing and Accompaniments
Pavilion empanadas are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience even further with the right accompaniments:
- Guasacaca: This avocado-based Venezuelan green sauce is the perfect complement to your empanadas.
- Chili pepper: For spicy lovers, a touch of chili will give your empanadas an extra kick.
- Drinks: Accompany your empanadas with a cold beer, passion fruit juice or malt, a non-alcoholic drink very popular in Venezuela.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating
Do you want to prepare pavilion empanadas in advance? Follow these tips:
- Freeze the raw empanadas on a tray, spaced apart, until solid.
- Transfer to an airtight bag and store for up to 3 months.
- To cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.
To reheat already cooked empanadas:
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds, but keep in mind that the dough may lose some of its crunchy texture.
Pabellón Empanadas in Venezuelan Culture
Pavilion empanadas have gained popularity both in Venezuela and in Venezuelan communities abroad. They are an essential element in celebrations, family gatherings and even in the streets of cities with a large Venezuelan population such as Doral in Florida or Katy in Texas.
For many Venezuelans living in the United States, these empanadas are more than just food; they're a little piece of home, a connection to their roots, and a way to share their culture with friends from other countries. In cities like Miami, where the Latin influence is strong, it's not uncommon to find food trucks and restaurants specializing in pabellón empanadas and other Venezuelan delicacies.
Easy Recipe with Frozen Products
Do you want to enjoy pavilion empanadas but don't have time to prepare everything from scratch? In Mosaico Frozen, we have the perfect solution:
- Buy our frozen shredded meat and our frozen black beans.
- Defrost according to package instructions.
- Follow the assembly and cooking steps in the previous recipe.
- Enjoy your pavilion empanadas in minutes!
Conclusion
Pabellón empanadas are much more than just a meal; they're a culinary journey through Venezuelan history and culture. Whether you make them from scratch or use our high-quality frozen products, these empanadas will transport you to the vibrant streets of Caracas or remind you of the flavors of home if you're part of the Venezuelan diaspora in the United States.
We invite you to explore more about the rich history of Venezuelan cuisine and discover other authentic products in our online store of Venezuelan products. Bring a little piece of Venezuela to your table today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuelan Criollo Pabellón Empanadas
1. Can I make gluten-free pavilion empanadas?
Yes, you can use gluten-free corn flour for the dough. Make sure all filling ingredients are gluten-free as well.
2. How long can pavilion empanadas be stored in the freezer?
Raw empanadas can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cooked ones, up to 1 month.
3. What substitutes can I use to make a vegan version?
You can use textured soy meat or jackfruit to replace the shredded meat, and grated vegan cheese.
4. How can I prevent empanadas from opening when frying?
Make sure to seal the edges well with a fork and do not overfill the empanadas. You can also lightly moisten the edges before sealing.
5. Are pavilion empanadas typical of any specific region of Venezuela?
Although pabellón criollo is a national dish, pabellón empanadas are a more recent innovation and are enjoyed throughout the country and in Venezuelan communities abroad.
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