Bahama Breeze Empanadas Recipe

Unlock the tropical magic of Bahama Breeze Empanadas! Discover the perfect recipe for a flavor-packed escape.

When it comes to Fourth of July celebrations, it's all about sizzling grills, fireworks, and mouthwatering treats.

One dish that will surely steal the show at your Independence Day gathering is the delectable Bahama Breeze Empanadas.

Imagine crispy, golden pockets filled with a tropical twist of flavors – the perfect combination of savory and sweet.

What is Bahama Breeze Empanadas?

Bahama Breeze Empanadas are a delightful fusion of Latin and Caribbean flavors.

These hand-held pastries are a culinary marvel, offering a crispy, flaky crust that encases a filling bursting with tropical goodness.

A single bite of these empanadas will transport your taste buds to a sunny beach in the Bahamas.

They are a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, making them the perfect addition to your Fourth of July menu.

Origin

Empanadas have a rich and diverse history, with variations found in many Latin American and Caribbean countries.

The Bahama Breeze Empanadas, in particular, draw inspiration from the tropical and flavorful cuisine of the Bahamas.

They combine the essence of the islands with traditional empanada-making techniques, creating a unique and delightful dish.

Taste

Bahama Breeze Empanadas offer a taste of the tropics.

The crispy, golden crust gives way to a filling that's a harmonious blend of flavors.

You'll experience the savory notes of seasoned meat, the natural sweetness of plantains, and a hint of Caribbean spices.

It's a flavor explosion that's perfect for celebrating on the Fourth of July.

Why Make This Recipe

• Tropical Twist: Bahama Breeze Empanadas bring a taste of the Caribbean to your Fourth of July celebration.
• Handheld Delight: They are easy to serve and perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Crispy and Flaky: The golden crust is irresistibly crispy, providing a satisfying contrast to the savory-sweet filling.
• Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These empanadas are loved by both kids and adults, making them a versatile choice for your celebration.

Recipe Essentials

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the empanada dough, providing structure and texture.
• Vegetable Shortening: It adds tenderness to the dough, making it easy to work with.
• Cold Butter: Cold butter is cut into the dough, creating a flaky and buttery crust.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the dough together, providing structure and richness.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk infuses the dough with a tropical flavor and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the dough's flavor and balances the sweetness.

For the Filling:

• Ground Pork Infused with Pineapple: Ground pork marinated in pineapple juice brings a delightful tropical twist to the filling.
• Diced Plantains: Ripe plantains add natural sweetness and a unique texture to the empanada.
• Red Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper contributes both color and a mild sweetness.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbal freshness.
• Jerk Seasoning: Jerk seasoning adds a Caribbean kick with a blend of spices.
• Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the savory elements of the filling.
• Allspice: Ground allspice adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Mango Puree: Mango puree introduces a sweet and fruity element, perfectly complementing the other flavors.

For the Mango Salsa:

• Ripe Mango: Ripe mango provides a juicy, sweet, and tropical component to the salsa.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a sharp, contrasting flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro contributes a bright and herby note.
• Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a zesty and tangy element to the salsa.
• Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes gives a hint of heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.

Equipment

• Rolling Pin (substitute: wine bottle)
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowls
• Parchment Paper
• Zip-Top Bag
• Slotted Spoon
• Knife and Cutting Board

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 pound ground pork infused with pineapple
• 1/4 cup diced ripe plantains
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• A pinch of ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons mango puree

Instructions

1. Begin by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and sea salt. Add vegetable shortening and cut the cold butter into small pieces. Mix in the eggs and coconut milk, forming a dough ball. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
2. For the filling, start by marinating the ground pork in pineapple juice to infuse it with a tropical touch.
3. In a skillet, cook the marinated ground pork until browned. Drain excess fat and add diced plantains, red bell pepper, fresh cilantro, jerk seasoning, sea salt, ground allspice, and mango puree. Simmer for a few minutes and set aside.
4. Roll out the chilled dough thinly on a floured surface and cut it into 4 1/2-inch circles.
5. Place a spoonful of the tropical pork and plantain filling onto each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal.
6. Chill the empanadas in a zip-top bag for 3 to 6 hours.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Fry the empanadas, about 4 at a time, until they're golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain the empanadas on parchment paper and serve them hot with mango salsa on the side.

Bahama Breeze Empanadas

Cuisine: Latin-American, Caribbean

Category: Appetizer

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 300 calories

Publisher: Fourth of July Recipes

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 247 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Bahama Breeze Empanadas, Recipe, Bahama Breeze Empanadas Recipe, Top rated, Fourth of July

Recipe Video