Empanadas, those delightful pockets of savory or sweet fillings encased in a flaky, golden crust, are a global favorite. But what if you crave empanadas without the time (or inclination) to make the dough from scratch? The good news is: Yes, you absolutely can buy empanada dough! This article will explore everything you need to know about purchasing empanada dough, from where to find it to the different types available and how to use it effectively.
Exploring Your Options for Buying Empanada Dough
Finding pre-made empanada dough is easier than you might think. The availability depends largely on your location and the type of dough you’re looking for, but generally, you have several options.
Grocery Stores: A Convenient Starting Point
Your local grocery store is often the first place to check. Larger supermarket chains frequently carry pre-made empanada dough, especially if they have a significant Latin American customer base. Look for it in these sections:
- The Refrigerated Section: This is the most common spot. You’ll likely find discs of dough, sometimes labeled as “empanada discs” or “masa para empanadas,” near other refrigerated dough products like pie crusts, pizza dough, and tortillas.
- The Frozen Food Section: Don’t overlook the frozen section! Many brands offer frozen empanada dough, which can be a convenient option if you want to keep some on hand for whenever the craving strikes. This is a good option for long term storage.
- The International Foods Aisle: If your grocery store has a dedicated international foods aisle, especially a Latin American or Hispanic section, you’re more likely to find specialized empanada dough products.
The specific brands and types available will vary depending on the store. Some popular brands to look out for include Goya, La Salteña, and Maria. Even if a store doesn’t specifically label it as “empanada dough,” you might find other types of dough, like pie crust or puff pastry, that can be adapted for empanadas (more on that later).
Specialty Latin American Markets
For a more authentic and diverse selection, visit a Latin American market or bodega. These stores often carry a wider variety of empanada doughs, including different sizes, thicknesses, and even regional variations.
Here, you’re more likely to find:
- Freshly Made Dough: Some markets even make their own empanada dough fresh daily, offering the ultimate in flavor and texture.
- Different Types of Masa: You’ll find doughs made from different types of flour, such as wheat flour, corn flour (masa harina), or a blend of both. Each type imparts a unique flavor and texture to the finished empanada.
- Specific Regional Styles: Depending on the region the market caters to, you might find doughs specifically designed for Argentinian empanadas, Chilean empanadas, or other regional specialties.
Shopping at a Latin American market also provides an opportunity to ask for advice and recommendations from the staff, who are likely knowledgeable about the best doughs for different types of empanadas.
Online Retailers: Convenience at Your Fingertips
The internet has made it easier than ever to find specialized ingredients, including empanada dough. Several online retailers offer a variety of options, delivered right to your doorstep.
Consider these online sources:
- Amazon: Amazon carries a selection of pre-made empanada doughs, particularly frozen options.
- Specialty Food Websites: Several online retailers specialize in Latin American or Hispanic foods and offer a wide range of empanada doughs, including hard-to-find regional varieties.
- Ethnic Grocery Delivery Services: Many ethnic grocery delivery services cater to specific communities and offer a selection of ingredients that may not be available at mainstream grocery stores.
- Direct from Manufacturers: Some empanada dough manufacturers sell their products directly to consumers through their own websites.
When buying online, be sure to check the shipping costs and delivery times, especially for frozen dough. Read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and taste of the product.
Local Bakeries and Restaurants
Don’t forget to check with local bakeries and restaurants that specialize in Latin American cuisine. Some may sell their homemade empanada dough to customers. This can be a great option for high-quality, fresh dough, and you can often inquire about their specific recipe and techniques.
Understanding Different Types of Empanada Dough
Empanada dough isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. The type of dough you choose will significantly impact the final result. The most common types include:
Wheat Flour Dough
This is the most widely available type of empanada dough. It’s typically made with all-purpose flour, butter or shortening, water, and salt. Wheat flour dough can be either flaky or more bread-like, depending on the recipe and preparation method.
- Flaky Dough: This type of dough is made with layers of butter or shortening that create a light, airy, and flaky crust. It’s similar to pie crust and is ideal for baked empanadas.
- Bread-like Dough: This dough is made with a higher proportion of water and less fat, resulting in a slightly denser, bread-like crust. It’s often used for fried empanadas, as it holds its shape well during cooking.
Corn Flour Dough (Masa Harina)
This type of dough is made with masa harina, a finely ground corn flour that has been treated with an alkaline solution (nixtamalization). It’s commonly used for empanadas in Mexico and other parts of Latin America.
- Distinct Flavor and Texture: Corn flour dough has a distinct corn flavor and a slightly coarser texture than wheat flour dough. It’s best suited for frying, as it can become dry and crumbly when baked.
- Requires Hydration: Masa harina needs to be properly hydrated to create a pliable dough. Follow the instructions on the package carefully to achieve the right consistency.
Other Dough Variations
Beyond wheat flour and corn flour, you might encounter other variations of empanada dough, such as:
- Puff Pastry: While not traditionally used for empanadas, puff pastry can be a delicious substitute, especially for baked empanadas. It creates an incredibly flaky and buttery crust.
- Shortcrust Pastry: Similar to pie crust, shortcrust pastry is another good option for baked empanadas. It’s tender and crumbly.
- Gluten-Free Dough: For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free empanada dough is available, often made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and other gluten-free flours.
How to Choose the Right Empanada Dough
With so many options available, how do you choose the right empanada dough for your needs? Consider these factors:
Your Preferred Cooking Method
Are you planning to bake or fry your empanadas? This is the most important factor in determining the type of dough you should use.
- Baking: Flaky wheat flour dough, puff pastry, or shortcrust pastry are all excellent choices for baked empanadas. They will create a light, golden, and crispy crust.
- Frying: Bread-like wheat flour dough or corn flour dough (masa harina) are best suited for fried empanadas. They will hold their shape well during cooking and develop a crispy exterior.
The Filling You’re Using
The filling you’re using can also influence your choice of dough.
- Savory Fillings: Wheat flour dough, corn flour dough, or puff pastry all work well with savory fillings.
- Sweet Fillings: Flaky wheat flour dough or puff pastry are particularly delicious with sweet fillings, such as fruit or cream cheese.
Your Dietary Restrictions
If you have any dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance, be sure to choose a dough that meets your needs. Gluten-free empanada dough is readily available.
Your Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the best empanada dough is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different types of dough to find your favorite flavor and texture.
Tips for Using Pre-Made Empanada Dough
Using pre-made empanada dough is generally straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure the best results:
- Thaw Frozen Dough Properly: If using frozen dough, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Don’t try to thaw it in the microwave, as this can make it uneven and difficult to work with.
- Keep Dough Cool: Work with the dough in a cool environment to prevent the butter or shortening from melting, which can make the dough sticky and difficult to handle.
- Roll Out the Dough (If Necessary): Some pre-made empanada dough comes in pre-cut circles, while others need to be rolled out. If rolling out the dough, use a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Roll it out to your desired thickness, usually about 1/8 inch.
- Fill Generously, But Don’t Overfill: Fill the dough with your desired filling, but be careful not to overfill it. Overfilling can make it difficult to seal the empanadas and cause them to burst during cooking.
- Seal the Edges Securely: Moisten the edges of the dough with water or egg wash before folding it over and crimping the edges to seal. You can use a fork to press the edges together for a decorative and secure seal.
- Brush with Egg Wash (Optional): Brushing the empanadas with egg wash before baking will give them a golden-brown color and a shiny finish.
- Bake or Fry According to Recipe Instructions: Follow the recipe instructions for baking or frying the empanadas. Baking typically takes 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), while frying usually takes 3-5 minutes per side in hot oil.
Creative Ways to Use Empanada Dough
Empanada dough is incredibly versatile and can be used for more than just traditional empanadas. Here are a few creative ideas:
- Mini Quiches: Use empanada dough to line mini muffin tins and fill them with your favorite quiche fillings.
- Sweet Hand Pies: Fill empanada dough with fruit fillings like apple, cherry, or blueberry for a quick and easy dessert.
- Pizza Pockets: Use empanada dough to create individual pizza pockets filled with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Savory Turnovers: Fill empanada dough with savory fillings like spinach and feta cheese, or ham and cheese, for a delicious appetizer or snack.
With a little creativity, you can transform pre-made empanada dough into a variety of delicious and satisfying dishes. The possibilities are endless!
Storing Empanada Dough
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality of your empanada dough. Here’s how to store it effectively:
- Refrigerated Dough: Keep refrigerated empanada dough in its original packaging or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use it by the expiration date on the package.
- Frozen Dough: Store frozen empanada dough in its original packaging or in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer. It can be stored for several months.
- Homemade Dough: Store homemade empanada dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Proper storage will help ensure that your empanada dough stays fresh and ready to use whenever you’re ready to make empanadas.
Adapting Other Doughs for Empanadas
While finding specifically labeled empanada dough is ideal, you can often adapt other types of dough to make delicious empanadas. Here are a few options:
- Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crust can be used as a substitute for flaky wheat flour empanada dough, especially for baked empanadas.
- Puff Pastry: As mentioned earlier, puff pastry is an excellent option for baked empanadas, creating a light and incredibly flaky crust.
- Wonton Wrappers: Wonton wrappers can be used to make mini empanadas, especially for frying.
- Pizza Dough: While not a traditional choice, pizza dough can be used to make a thicker, bread-like empanada crust, suitable for baking or frying.
When adapting other doughs, keep in mind that they may have different cooking times and textures than traditional empanada dough. Adjust your recipe accordingly.
Where can I buy pre-made empanada dough?
Pre-made empanada dough can be found in a variety of places, making it readily accessible for home cooks. Most major grocery stores carry empanada dough in their refrigerated or frozen sections, often near other dough products like pie crusts or puff pastry. Additionally, Latin American grocery stores are excellent sources, usually offering a wider selection of brands and potentially different types of dough tailored to specific regional empanada recipes.
Beyond traditional grocery stores, you can also explore online retailers that specialize in Latin American foods or gourmet ingredients. These online sources might provide access to dough that is not available locally, or offer specialty varieties like gluten-free or vegan options. Don’t forget to check local bakeries or specialty food shops, as they may also produce and sell their own homemade empanada dough.
What types of pre-made empanada dough are available?
The selection of pre-made empanada dough available is surprisingly diverse, offering options to suit various tastes and dietary needs. You’ll typically find dough made with wheat flour, which is the most common type and widely available in different sizes and thicknesses. Some brands offer dough with added flavors or seasonings, like annatto or spices, for extra complexity.
Beyond wheat-based dough, you can find gluten-free empanada dough made from ingredients like rice flour or corn flour (masa harina). Vegan empanada dough is also becoming increasingly popular, typically made without animal products like lard or butter. Exploring these different options allows you to tailor your empanadas to your preferences and any dietary restrictions.
How do I thaw frozen empanada dough properly?
Proper thawing of frozen empanada dough is crucial for achieving the best results. The most recommended method is to thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the dough’s texture and prevents it from becoming sticky or difficult to handle.
If you’re short on time, you can thaw the dough at room temperature, but be sure to keep a close watch on it. It should only take a couple of hours to thaw at room temperature, and you’ll want to use it as soon as it’s pliable. Avoid using a microwave to thaw the dough, as this can cause uneven thawing and negatively affect its texture.
How should I store pre-made empanada dough?
The storage method for pre-made empanada dough depends on whether it’s fresh or frozen. Fresh dough should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days of purchase, following the expiration date on the packaging. Ensure the dough is tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
Frozen empanada dough should be stored in the freezer until ready to use. If the original packaging is damaged or not airtight, transfer the dough to a freezer bag or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored frozen empanada dough can last for several months in the freezer.
How can I prevent my empanada dough from cracking when folding?
Cracking empanada dough during folding is a common problem, but it can be easily prevented with a few simple techniques. First, ensure the dough is properly thawed and at a pliable consistency. If the dough is too cold or dry, it will be more prone to cracking. Lightly moistening the edges of the dough circle with water before folding can also help create a stronger seal.
Another helpful tip is to avoid overfilling the empanadas. Too much filling can stretch the dough and make it more likely to tear or crack during folding. If you are struggling with cracking despite these measures, you can lightly roll out the dough slightly to make it more pliable.
Can I make my own empanada dough if I can’t find pre-made?
Absolutely, making your own empanada dough is a rewarding experience and allows for complete control over the ingredients. Numerous recipes are available online and in cookbooks, catering to different preferences and dietary needs. Most recipes involve simple ingredients like flour, water, fat (such as butter, lard, or oil), and salt.
Creating your own dough offers the opportunity to customize the flavor and texture of your empanadas. You can experiment with different types of flour, add spices or herbs, and adjust the amount of fat to achieve your desired result. While it requires more time and effort than using pre-made dough, the homemade flavor is often worth it.
What are some tips for using pre-made empanada dough effectively?
To use pre-made empanada dough effectively, start by bringing it to the correct temperature. Dough that is too cold will be difficult to work with and prone to cracking, while dough that is too warm may become sticky. Before filling, lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
When filling the empanadas, avoid overfilling to prevent them from bursting during cooking. After folding and sealing, use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure closure and decorative touch. If baking, brush the empanadas with an egg wash for a golden-brown crust. If frying, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for even cooking.