Its April 8th, and that means it is National Empanada Day!

Empanadas are a delicious little treat that originated in Galicia, Spain. They now exist and have been made in unique ways in over 25 countries.

This National Empanada Day, go out and eat a few with friends or even try making your own with my recipe.

Ingredients

• Pre-made empanada shells (perfect for beginners)
• ½ lbs of beef (or your choice of filling)
• Onions, salt & pepper, green peppers, steak seasoning
• Any type of cheese (preferably mozzarella)
• 1½ quart oil for frying
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Season and prepare filling to your taste (if it is beef empanadas mix beef with onions, salt, pepper, green peppers, cheese and let simmer and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes).
2. Thaw the pre-made shells for about 10 minutes.
3. After shells are soft put one tablespoon of filling on half of the shell and close by folding the other half over.
4. To seal the empanada dip a finger in water and run it across the rim of the empanada
5. With a fork press down on the rim.
6. Preheat frying oil for about 10 minutes till it reaches 365 degrees F.
7. Fry the empanadas till they are golden brown.

Why empanadas are the best thing EVER

-They are delicious little finger foods that come wrapped in an edible, flaky container, which means you don’t need utensils.

-They are also a breeze to share with your friends (you don’t HAVE to share though).

-Empanadas come in an endless variety of flavors, since every country has a different specialty, every country stuffs them with different and delicious fillings.

Make sure to try a delicious empanada today, Happy National Empanada Day!