## Introduction
Sourdough empanadas are a beautiful mix of comfort food and homemade love. This recipe is about using sourdough dough to create soft crispy and flavorful empanadas filled with tasty fillings. Empanadas are small stuffed pastries that are popular in many cultures around the world. When sourdough is used the empanadas get a deeper flavor and a gentle chew that feels very satisfying. This recipe focuses on making empanadas at home using simple steps and easy words so beginners feel confident. You do not need to be an expert baker to enjoy this recipe. It is about slowing down enjoying the process and creating something warm and comforting for yourself and others.
People love sourdough empanadas because they taste special and feel homemade in the best way. The sourdough dough adds a light tangy flavor that makes the empanadas stand out from regular ones. The outside becomes golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and rich. Many people also love the flexibility of empanadas. You can fill them with meat vegetables or cheese based on your taste. Families enjoy making them together and sharing stories while folding the dough. The smell of empanadas baking in the oven brings joy and comfort to any kitchen. That feeling of warmth is why people keep coming back to this recipe.
You can make sourdough empanadas for many reasons. They are perfect for family dinners weekend cooking or special gatherings. Some people make them when they want a calm baking day that feels relaxing and rewarding. Others enjoy them because sourdough feels easier to digest for some people and fits into a mindful eating lifestyle. These empanadas are also great for meal prep and packed lunches. When you bite into one you feel comfort happiness and care. This recipe is not just about food but about creating moments that feel good and meaningful.
## Ingredients You Will Need
For the sourdough dough
Active sourdough starter 200 grams
All purpose flour 400 grams
Warm water 180 milliliters
Olive oil 40 milliliters
Salt 8 grams
For the filling
Ground beef or chicken 300 grams
Onion finely chopped 1 medium
Garlic minced 2 cloves
Bell pepper chopped 1 small
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper half teaspoon
Paprika 1 teaspoon
Cumin half teaspoon
Cooked potatoes diced 1 cup
Fresh parsley chopped 2 tablespoons
For brushing
Egg 1 large beaten
## Step by Step Method
Start by preparing the sourdough dough. In a large bowl add the sourdough starter warm water and olive oil. Mix gently until combined. Add the flour and salt. Mix using a spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms. Once the dough comes together place it on a clean surface. Knead the dough gently for about eight minutes. The dough should feel smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky add a little flour. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rest at room temperature for four to six hours until it becomes slightly puffy.
While the dough rests prepare the filling. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant. Add ground meat and cook until fully done. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Add salt black pepper paprika and cumin. Stir well. Add bell pepper and cooked potatoes. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well mixed. Turn off the heat and add fresh parsley. Let the filling cool completely before using.
Once the dough has rested divide it into small balls about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a floured surface and cover with a cloth. Take one dough ball and roll it into a thin circle using a rolling pin. The circle should be about fifteen centimeters wide. Place two tablespoons of filling in the center of the dough circle. Do not overfill.
Fold the dough over the filling to form a half moon shape. Press the edges together gently. You can use a fork to seal the edges or fold them with your fingers. Repeat with all dough balls and filling. Place the empanadas on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
Brush each empanada with beaten egg. This gives a golden color when baked. Preheat the oven to one hundred eighty degrees Celsius. Bake the empanadas for twenty five to thirty minutes until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite sauce or dip.
## Why This Recipe Is Special
Sourdough empanadas are special because they combine tradition with a homemade touch. The sourdough dough adds flavor depth and a natural texture that feels satisfying. Unlike regular dough sourdough brings a gentle tang that makes each bite interesting. The fermentation process also gives the dough a soft inside and crisp outside when baked.
This recipe also offers flexibility and balance. You can change the filling based on your preference. Use vegetables cheese or different meats. This makes it suitable for many diets and tastes. Sourdough is often loved by people who enjoy natural fermentation and slow food. It feels wholesome and comforting.
From a health point of view sourdough fermentation may help improve digestion for some people. It can make nutrients easier to absorb. While empanadas are still a treat they feel more balanced when made at home with fresh ingredients. The taste is rich warm and deeply comforting which makes this recipe truly special.
## Extra Tips for Better Taste
Let the dough rest longer if possible. A longer rest can improve flavor and texture.
Always cool the filling before adding it to the dough. Hot filling can make the dough soft and hard to seal.
Try adding olives or cheese to the filling for extra flavor.
Serve empanadas with fresh salad or yogurt dip for balance.
Freeze unbaked empanadas for later use. Bake them directly from frozen when needed.
Use whole wheat flour for part of the dough if you want a heartier texture.
## Final Thoughts
Sourdough empanadas are a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy into your kitchen. They are simple to make and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try sourdough in a fun and rewarding way. Making empanadas at home creates warm memories and delicious moments. Take your time enjoy the process and share them with people you love. Food made with care always tastes better.
## Nutrition Details
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Per one empanada serving
Calories two hundred ten
Protein ten grams
Carbohydrates twenty four grams
Fat eight grams
Fiber two grams
Sugar two grams
Recipe makes about twelve empanadas.
## Disclaimer
This recipe and nutrition information are shared for general guidance only. Every person is different and bodies respond differently to foods. Ingredients portion size and personal health needs can change results. Enjoy this recipe as part of a balanced lifestyle and listen to your body.
