Posted on June 14th

The ever-versatile “empanada” comes from the Spanish verb “empanar”, which means to wrap or to coat for bread. There is a huge variety of empanadas, not only in terms of fillings, but also shapes, sizes, and textures—depending upon where you are eating one of this delicious numbers around the world.

Empanadas: A global affair

Even though this traditional pastry was originated in Spain, they are wildly popular throughout Latin America, Europe, and parts of South Asia. In Indian cuisine, there are many varieties of empanadas, mostly with sweet fillings. In Argentina the empanada dough is usually made with wheat flour, which is the most popular empanada dough. However, it can be made with corn flour or corn meal (masa), like in Belize, where they are typically stuffed with fish, chicken, or beans. Filipino empanadas usually contain ground beef, pork or chicken, potatoes, chopped onions, and raisins, similar to the Cuban picadillo. Other doughs are made using mashed plantains, potatoes, yucca, cassava and sweet potatoes.

Try Colombian empanadas in Union Square (Vegans take note!)

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Empanadas and aji salsa

If you want to try authentic Colombian empanadas, this Saturday is your opportunity! The third Nibble Flavor Lounge, a global pop-up dining experience will present Monica Sepulveda’s empanadas. As a Nibble culinary entrepreneur hailing from Rionegro, which is near from Medellin Colombia, she will serve a delicious tofu bean and vegan cheese empanadas, while the carnivores will likely opt for the beef variety. No empanada is complete without the homemade aji sauce – a vinegar-based cilantro sauce that soaks into your savory pockets for the perfect bite each time. Add a salad with an herb vinaigrette to keep it light and satisfying. Don’t miss this tasty installment of Flavor lounge!

Flavor Longe details

  • Where:  PA’s Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave, Union Square, Somerville.
  • When: From 12p.m. to 2p.m. or until food runs out.
  • Cost:  $10 per person

For more information about the 1st, 2nd, and 4th installments of Flavor Lounge, check out Nibble Blog: https://nibblesomerville.com/flavor-lounge-in-union-square