Empadão is a mouthwatering Brazilian savory pie that'll make your taste buds dance! This deep-dish delight features a flaky, buttery crust filled with tender chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy sauce. It's perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at special gatherings. You'll love how versatile empadão is, with options to customize fillings to suit your tastes. The rich history of this dish dates back to Portuguese settlers, but it's evolved to become a beloved Brazilian staple. Making empadão is a fun cooking adventure, and you'll get better with each try. Ready to explore the delicious world of empadão?
Key Takeaways
- Empadão is a traditional Brazilian savory pie with a flaky crust and creamy filling, often containing chicken and vegetables.
- It originated from Portuguese settlers during Brazil's colonial era and evolved to include local ingredients and flavors.
- The dish is popular for family gatherings and special occasions due to its rich taste and comforting nature.
- Common ingredients include flour, butter, chicken, vegetables, and cream, with variations allowing for different fillings and customizations.
- Empadão is versatile and can be adapted for various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options and regional ingredient substitutions.
History
Throughout Brazil's culinary history, empadão has held a special place as a beloved savory pie. You'll find this delicious dish at the heart of Brazilian cuisine, with roots stretching back to the colonial era. When Portuguese settlers arrived in Brazil, they brought their love for meat pies with them. Over time, these pies evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, giving birth to the empadão you know and love today.
In the 19th century, empadão became a staple at social gatherings and family dinners. It's no wonder why – the flaky crust and savory filling are simply irresistible!
As Brazil's culinary traditions grew, so did the variety of empadão fillings. You'll now find versions with chicken, beef, shrimp, and even vegetarian options.
The popularity of empadão has only increased over time. Today, you can enjoy this tasty treat in homes, bakeries, and restaurants across Brazil. It's a testament to the dish's enduring appeal and its ability to adapt to changing tastes while maintaining its traditional charm.
Recipe
Empadão is a beloved Brazilian savory pie, often described as a hearty and comforting dish. This large, deep-dish pie is filled with a flavorful mixture of chicken, vegetables, and spices, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. It's a popular choice for family gatherings and special occasions, offering a satisfying meal that can easily feed a crowd.
While the traditional recipe typically features chicken as the main protein, variations exist using beef, seafood, or even vegetarian fillings. The beauty of empadão lies in its versatility and the way it combines simple ingredients into a delicious, filling meal. The golden-brown crust and the rich, creamy filling make it an irresistible treat for both adults and children alike.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup green peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
To prepare empadão, start by making the crust. Mix flour and butter until crumbly, then add the egg and cold water to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
For the filling, sauté onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil, then add chicken, peas, broth, and cream. Thicken with cornstarch and season.
Roll out two-thirds of the dough for the bottom and sides of a deep dish, add the filling, and cover with the remaining dough. Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
For best results, ensure all ingredients for the crust are cold to achieve a flaky texture. Allow the empadão to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated, making it perfect for busy households. Experiment with different fillings to suit your taste preferences, and don't forget to make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Cooking Steps
You're about to embark on a delicious journey to make empadão!
First, you'll preheat your oven and get your ingredients ready, including the chicken, veggies, and creamy filling.
Next, you'll assemble the pie crust layers, carefully layering them with the filling mixture.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 375°F
Before you begin assembling your empadão, it's crucial to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures your savory pie will cook evenly and come out perfectly golden and delicious!
While your oven is warming up, you'll have time to prepare all the other ingredients and get ready for the fun part – assembling your empadão.
Make sure you've got an oven thermometer handy to double-check the temperature. Sometimes ovens can be a bit tricky and mightn't heat up exactly as we want them to.
If you don't have one, don't worry! Just give your oven about 15-20 minutes to reach the right temperature. While you're waiting, you can start gathering your ingredients and preparing your baking dish.
Step 2. Prepare Chicken and Vegetables
Now that your oven is preheating, it's time to focus on the heart of your empadão: the chicken and vegetable filling.
You'll need to start by cooking the chicken. Grab a large skillet and heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and cook it until it's golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, chop up your veggies. You'll want to dice some onions, carrots, and bell peppers.
Once the chicken is done, set it aside and use the same skillet to sauté your vegetables. They'll soak up all the yummy chicken flavors left in the pan!
After about 5 minutes, when the veggies are soft and fragrant, it's time to add some seasoning. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley.
Now, reunite the chicken with the vegetables in the skillet. Give everything a good stir to mix all those delicious flavors together. Your filling is almost ready – doesn't it smell amazing?
Step 3. Make Creamy Filling Mixture
The creamy filling mixture is the secret to a delicious empadão. To make it, you'll need to combine a few key ingredients in a large bowl.
Start by adding the shredded chicken you've prepared earlier. Next, pour in some heavy cream, which will give your filling that rich, velvety texture. Don't forget to add some requeijão, a Brazilian cream cheese that'll make your empadão extra special!
Now, it's time to toss in those sautéed vegetables you've cooked. They'll add color and flavor to your mixture. For extra taste, sprinkle in some chopped parsley and green onions. These herbs will give your filling a fresh, zesty kick.
Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, and mix it all together until it's well combined.
Here's a fun tip: if you want your filling to be extra creamy, add a dollop of mayonnaise. It's like giving your empadão a little hug from the inside!
Once everything's mixed, give it a taste. If it needs more seasoning, go ahead and add it. Your creamy filling is now ready to be nestled into that buttery crust!
Step 4. Assemble Pie Crust Layers
Assembling the pie crust layers for your empadão is where the magic happens.
You'll start by greasing a deep baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Now, take your first sheet of dough and gently place it in the dish, making sure it covers the bottom and sides. Don't worry if it's not perfect – you can patch any holes with extra dough.
Next, it's time to add your creamy filling. Spoon it into the crust, spreading it evenly. This is where your empadão gets its delicious flavor!
Once the filling's in place, grab your second sheet of dough. Carefully lay it over the top, pressing the edges to seal them with the bottom crust. This creates a cozy pocket for your filling.
To give your empadão a golden, crispy finish, brush the top with beaten egg. Then, use a fork to poke a few small holes in the crust. This lets steam escape and keeps your crust from puffing up too much.
Your empadão is now ready for the oven, where it'll transform into a mouthwatering Brazilian delight!
Once the empadão is golden and crispy, it’ll be ready to be enjoyed alongside some traditional Brazilian sides like rice and beans. And for dessert, why not try a slice of the classic Brazilian dessert, brigadeiro? The empadão is just one example of the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Brazil, from hearty meat dishes to the traditional Brazilian dish maniçoba made with manioc leaves.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
With your empadão assembled and ready, it's time to bake it to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pie on the center rack. This position ensures even heat distribution, giving your empadão that gorgeous golden-brown color all over.
Set your timer for 45 minutes, but keep an eye on it! Every oven's a bit different, so yours might need a little more or less time. You'll know it's done when the crust turns a beautiful golden hue and smells absolutely delicious.
If the top starts browning too quickly, don't worry! Just cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Once it's baked to perfection, carefully remove your empadão from the oven using oven mitts. It'll be super hot, so let it cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before serving.
This cooling time allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Plus, it'll be just the right temperature to enjoy without burning your tongue. Your homemade empadão is now ready to impress family and friends!
Final Thoughts
Culinary enthusiasts and home cooks alike can't deny the appeal of empadão. This delicious Brazilian savory pie is a perfect addition to your recipe collection. You'll love how versatile it is, allowing you to experiment with different fillings and flavors.
Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, empadão is sure to impress.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't picture-perfect. Each time you make empadão, you'll get better at crafting the dough and balancing the flavors. It's a great dish to involve your kids in, too. They can help mix ingredients or decorate the top crust.
As you become more comfortable with the recipe, try adding your own twist. Maybe you'll create a vegetarian version or incorporate local ingredients. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Empadão Be Frozen for Later Consumption?
Yes, you can freeze it for later consumption. It's best to freeze it before baking. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual. It'll taste just as delicious.
What Are Common Side Dishes Served With Empadão?
You'll often find a variety of side dishes served alongside. Popular options include mixed green salads, rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour), and vinaigrette. Don't forget to try it with a fresh tomato salad or some crispy potato wedges.
How Long Does Empadão Typically Stay Fresh?
You'll find that it typically stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you've frozen it, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or appearances before consuming.
Are There Vegetarian or Vegan Versions of Empadão?
You'll find vegetarian versions that replace meat with veggies or cheese. Vegan options are less common but can be made using plant-based ingredients. You can easily adapt traditional recipes to suit your dietary preferences.
What Wine Pairs Well With Traditional Empadão?
You'll want to pair it with a medium-bodied white wine. Try a Chardonnay or Viognier for their buttery notes. If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir or Beaujolais. They'll complement the dish nicely.
Ana is our Brazilian barbecue expert, known for her churrasco techniques and tropical-infused side dishes. Whether it’s a casual weekend cookout or a large festive gathering, Ana brings the vibrant energy of Brazil to every meal, making outdoor cooking an unforgettable experience.
