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what do you serve with empanadas

what do you serve with empanadas

3 min read 05-02-2025
what do you serve with empanadas

Empanadas, those savory hand pies filled with deliciousness, are a culinary delight enjoyed worldwide. But what truly elevates the empanada experience? The answer lies in the perfect pairings. This guide explores the best accompaniments to your favorite empanadas, ensuring a satisfying and memorable meal. We'll cover sides, sauces, and drinks to complement various empanada fillings.

Sides that Complement Empanadas

The ideal side dish depends heavily on the empanada filling. Consider these options:

For Savory Empanadas:

  • Simple Salads: A fresh, light salad cuts through the richness of the empanada. Think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, a simple tomato and onion salad, or a vibrant cilantro-lime slaw. The acidity balances the savory flavors perfectly.
  • Rice and Beans: A classic Latin American pairing, rice and beans provide a hearty and comforting complement to empanadas. The textures and flavors work beautifully together.
  • Plantain Side Dishes: Sweet plantains (maduros) offer a delightful contrast to savory fillings. Fried, mashed, or even in a salad, they add a touch of sweetness and unique texture.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini provide a healthy and flavorful side. Their earthy flavors enhance the savory notes of the empanada filling.
  • Guacamole and Chips: A crowd-pleasing choice, guacamole and tortilla chips offer a creamy, cool counterpoint to the warm, savory empanadas.

For Sweet Empanadas:

  • Ice Cream: A classic and simple pairing for sweet empanadas, particularly those with dulce de leche or fruit fillings. Vanilla or a complementary flavor like dulce de leche ice cream work particularly well.
  • Whipped Cream: A lighter alternative to ice cream, whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and airy texture to sweet empanadas.
  • Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing side, a fresh fruit salad complements the sweetness of the empanada without being overly heavy.
  • Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage provides a sophisticated finish to a sweet empanada dessert.

Sauces to Elevate Your Empanada Experience

Sauces can transform a good empanada into a great one. Here are some suggestions:

  • Spicy Chimichurri: This vibrant Argentinian sauce, made with parsley, oregano, garlic, and chili flakes, adds a burst of flavor and heat to savory empanadas.
  • Aji Verde: A Peruvian green sauce made with aji peppers, cilantro, and lime, aji verde offers a bright, zesty flavor profile.
  • Salsa: Whether it's a simple pico de gallo or a smoky chipotle salsa, a good salsa always elevates an empanada. Choose a salsa that complements the filling – a milder salsa for milder fillings, and a spicier salsa for bolder flavors.
  • Garlic Aioli: A creamy and garlicky sauce that adds a rich and savory element to any empanada.

Beverages to Pair with Empanadas

The perfect drink depends on the filling and your personal preference. However, some popular choices include:

  • Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with lighter empanada fillings. A medium-bodied red like Malbec or Merlot complements richer fillings.
  • Beer: A light lager or pilsner works well with most savory empanadas. A darker beer like a stout can be a good choice for bolder fillings.
  • Sangria: A refreshing and fruity sangria is a perfect accompaniment to both sweet and savory empanadas, especially on a warm day.
  • Mate: A traditional South American beverage, mate is a caffeine-rich drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It pairs well with savory empanadas.

Conclusion: Creating the Perfect Empanada Experience

The possibilities for pairing empanadas are endless. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match. Consider the empanada filling, your desired level of spice, and the overall mood you're aiming for. With a little creativity, you can transform a simple snack into a truly memorable meal. Remember, the best accompaniment is the one you enjoy the most!

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