Argentine Empanadas: History and Origins (Part I)

Empanadas are an indisputable symbol of Argentine gastronomy. From big cities to rural towns, they are part of the daily menu and the stars of every celebration. But have you ever wondered where this delight comes from?

In this post, we’ll explore the history of the Argentine empanada, how it reached these lands, and how it became a national emblem.

ORIGINS: FROM THE IBERIAN PENINSULA TO LATIN AMERICA

The history of the empanada begins in the Iberian Peninsula. Its primary form is directly connected to Arabic influences. During the centuries of Moorish occupation in Spain, dishes like the “esfiha“—an open stuffed dough—were introduced as ancestors of the modern empanada.

When the Spanish colonized the Americas in the 15th century, they brought their recipes with them. However, it was in Argentina where the recipe found a new home. According to food historian Miguel Brascó, rural communities quickly adopted empanadas due to their practicality and flavor.

THE ARGENTINE ADAPTATION

As the Spanish recipe settled in Argentina, it transformed:

The Filling: The abundance of cattle in the Argentine pampas made beef the star ingredient, replacing pork or chicken.
The Dough: Instead of the bread-like dough used in Spain, Argentina developed a smoother, thinner crust made of wheat flour and beef drippings (grasa de vaca).
The Cooking: Depending on the region, empanadas are either fried or baked to golden perfection.

REGIONAL TRADITIONS

One of the most fascinating aspects is the regional diversity, especially the famous “repulgue” (the decorative fold that seals the dough):

Salteñas (from Salta): Known for a thin dough and a juicy filling of hand-cut beef, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs.
Tucumanas (from Tucumán): Extremely juicy and honored every year at the “National Empanada Festival” in Famaillá.
Mendocinas (from Mendoza): Often featuring olives and cumin, frequently baked in clay ovens for a smoky finish.

FUN FACTS AND POPULAR CULTURE

Gaucho Essentials: Legend says empanadas were perfect for the long journeys of the gauchos across the Pampa because the dough acted as a natural protective container.
Global Icon: Today, the Argentine empanada is a global symbol. You can find them in New York, Tokyo, Madrid, and of course, in Miami and Orlando at PANNA.

ARGENTINE EMPANADAS AT PANNA

At PANNA New Food Latino, we invite you to taste authentic Argentine empanadas, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Whether you want them fresh at our stores or frozen to enjoy at home, there is no better way to experience Argentine culture than with a perfect bite.