Costa Rican Empanadas De Piña Recipe

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I visited Costa Rica and made the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe in a cooking class. I am excited to share my experience with you and teach you too cook this in your home. This food is a tasty pastry. It has a sweet pineapple filling.

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My trip started in San Jose, the capital city. I explored the vibrant streets and markets. As I walked around, I came across a small bakery. The aroma was incredible and bought one of the Empanadas de Piña. It drew me in. I saw the beautiful pastries on display. I asked the baker about the most famous pastry. She told me about Empanadas de Piña. I couldn’t wait to try it. Once I did, I knew I wanted to learn to make them the original Costa Rican way.

I asked the baker for the recipe. She was happy to share it with me and told me it was one of the things taught in a local class. During the class I discovered that the dough was the key to the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe. The baker told me about her technique. She used a mix of flour, butter, and sugar. The dough was chilled to ensure it was easy to work with. It was essential for the flaky crust.

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The filling was a blend of pineapple, sugar, and cornstarch. This mix created a thick, sweet paste. It was the perfect consistency to fill the dough. The baker then folded the dough into a half-moon shape. She sealed the edges with a fork. Finally, the empanadas were baked to a golden brown.

As I enjoyed my treat, I met some locals. They told me that the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe was a favorite in there. It was enjoyed by people of all ages. It was often served at parties and gatherings. The pastry was also a popular snack. It could be found in bakeries and street food stalls across the country.

As I spent more time in Costa Rica, trying different dishes. I found that Empanadas de Piña was one of the best. It was unique and flavorful. I was grateful to the baker for sharing her recipe. I knew I wanted to recreate this treat back home.

The trip to Costa Rica was memorable and opened my eyes to a lot of new foods and recipes but none I liked better than the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe. I was introduced to Empanadas de Piña, a delightful pastry. The combination of a flaky crust and a sweet pineapple filling was perfect. I am grateful to have experienced this treat in its home country. Now, I can enjoy Empanadas de Piña anytime. I am also able to share this recipe here today.

The Complete Recipe with Ingredients and Step by Step Instructions Listed Below

3 Reasons People Love the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

1. Tasty and Unique Flavor: Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe has unique a flavor that many people enjoy. The mix of sweet and savory is perfect. Pineapple filling in the pastry gives a fruity taste. The pastry dough is a bit salty. The combination is unique and delicious. This tasty treat is enjoyed by people who try it for the first time. The flavor stays in their memory. It becomes a favorite for many people who love sweet and savory dishes. People love to share this dish with friends and family. The unique taste of Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña is a major reason why people love them.

2. Versatility for Different Occasions: Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipes are versatile for many occasions. People can serve them at gatherings, parties, or picnics. The size of these treats is ideal for sharing. The small, portable nature of the Empanadas makes them easy to transport. This versatility is very attractive. People appreciate that they can serve them at various events. They are suitable for casual and formal occasions. Guests always appreciate this delicious and interesting dish. This versatility makes Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña a favorite for many people.

3, Fun and Easy Preparation Process: Making the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe is an enjoyable activity. The process of preparing the dough and the filling is simple. People have fun rolling out the dough and filling it with pineapple. The folding and sealing of the pastry are creative and interesting. The baking process is also easy and convenient. People of all ages can participate in making these Empanadas. Families can bond over this activity. Friends can also gather to make these treats together. The fun and easy preparation process is another reason why people love Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña.

How To Make Our Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
1/4 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil, for frying
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.

2. Add the butter and vegetable shortening to the dry ingredients and use your fingers to rub them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the milk and beaten egg to the mixture and use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a smooth dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes elastic and no longer sticky.

5. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

6. Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and let them rest for 15 minutes.

7. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pineapple, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

8. On a floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle, about 6 inches in diameter.

9. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pineapple filling onto one half of the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

10. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and use a fork to crimp the edges together.

11. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.

12. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the empanadas in the pan, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
13. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the empanadas to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

14. Dust the empanadas with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Nutritional Information For the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

Calories: 363
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 37mg
Sodium: 147mg
Potassium: 122mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g

Prep Times: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or hands for mixing
Rolling pin
Frying pan
Slotted spoon
Paper towels
Small bowl for mixing the filling

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

Place the cooled empanadas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the empanadas on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.

Substitutions For the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Instead of fresh pineapple, canned pineapple can be used. Make sure to drain it well before using.

Substitutions For the Vegetarian Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and rolled out thinly to avoid a doughy texture.
To prevent the filling from spilling out during frying, make sure to leave a small border around the edges when spooning the filling onto the dough.
Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas together to ensure a tight seal.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

Rice and beans
Plantains
Coleslaw
Fresh fruit salad

How To Serve the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

Dust the empanadas with powdered sugar and serve warm.
Empanadas can be served as a dessert or as a snack.

FAQ About the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña Recipe

What is the origin of Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe?
Answer: Empanadas de Piña originated in Costa Rica and are a popular traditional dessert that is often sold by street vendors.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh pineapple for this recipe?
Answer: Yes, canned pineapple can be used instead of fresh pineapple. Make sure to drain it well before using.

Is it necessary to use both butter and vegetable shortening in the dough?
Answer: Yes, both butter and vegetable shortening are used to create a flaky texture in the dough. You can try substituting one for the other, but the texture may be different.

Can the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe be baked instead of fried?
Answer: While traditionally empanadas are fried, they can be baked in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the empanadas for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, the dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out and assembling the empanadas.

Final Thoughts

My love for the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe has only grown stronger over time. The unique and delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors in these tasty treats never fails to impress. Every time I make them or enjoy them at an event, I am reminded of their special qualities.

Their versatility of the Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipe is another aspect that I truly appreciate. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a more formal affair, these Empanadas always seem to be a perfect fit. The compact size and easy-to-transport nature make them an ideal option for various occasions. I find it so satisfying to share these scrumptious treats with friends and family.

Lastly, the fun and straightforward preparation process has made baking these Empanadas an enjoyable experience. I’ve spent countless hours in the kitchen with loved ones, bonding over the simple steps involved in making them. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others while creating something delicious.

In the end, the many charms of Costa Rican Empanadas de Piña recipes are undeniable. From their incredible taste to their adaptability for different events, these treats hold a special place in my heart. If you haven’t tried them yet, I highly recommend giving them a taste. They might just become your new favorite too!