Brazilian – Empadao

Empadão is a traditional Brazilian savory pie, typically made with a flaky pastry crust filled with a variety of ingredients, most commonly chicken, but it can also include beef, pork, or shrimp. The filling is rich and flavorful, often mixed with vegetables, seasonings, and sometimes cheese, and then encased in a buttery, golden-brown crust. Empadão is often served as a main dish during family meals, parties, or special occasions, and it’s a beloved part of Brazilian comfort food.

Key Features of Empadão:

Main Ingredients:
- Pastry Dough: The crust is typically made from flour, butter, egg yolks, and water, creating a tender, flaky base.
- Protein: The most common filling is chicken, often shredded and mixed with seasonings. However, beef, pork, or shrimp are also used.
- Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, and sometimes olives, bell peppers, and peas are included in the filling to add flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Some variations include cheese in the filling or on top of the pie for a rich and savory flavor.
- Seasonings: Garlic, cumin, coriander, and parsley are commonly used to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Preparation:
- The dough is made by combining flour, butter, and egg yolks to form a smooth dough, which is then chilled before being rolled out.
- The filling is prepared by cooking the chosen protein with vegetables and seasonings until tender.
- The pie is assembled by layering the dough in a pie dish, adding the filling, and then covering it with a second layer of dough.
- The empadão is then baked until golden and crispy.
Serving:
- Empadão is typically served in slices, much like a pie or quiche. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- It is often served with a side salad or rice, and sometimes with a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Cultural Significance:

Comfort Food: Empadão is considered a comforting, hearty dish in Brazilian cuisine, often associated with family meals, special gatherings, or festive occasions.
Regional Variation: Empadão has regional variations depending on the state in Brazil. While the chicken version is the most common, different regions may include local ingredients and proteins.
Influence from Portuguese Cuisine: Empadão’s origins can be traced back to Portuguese culinary traditions, where similar savory pies are a part of the gastronomic heritage.

Variations:

Empadão de Frango (Chicken Empadão): The most popular variation, featuring shredded chicken as the filling.
Empadão de Carne (Beef Empadão): A savory pie with ground or shredded beef filling.
Empadão de Camarão (Shrimp Empadão): A seafood version, often made with shrimp and sometimes coconut milk or cheese.
Vegetarian Empadão: Some versions are made with a variety of vegetables or even vegetarian protein sources like tofu, offering a meat-free alternative.

Nutritional Value:

Empadão is a rich and filling dish due to the buttery pastry crust and the flavorful meat or vegetable filling. It provides a good amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a hearty meal. Depending on the ingredients used, it can be high in calories, so it’s often enjoyed as a treat or for special occasions.

Fun Fact:

Portable: Empadão is often made in large, shareable sizes, but smaller, individual versions (known as empadinhas) are also popular in Brazil and are often sold as snacks in bakeries or street markets.
Celebrations: Empadão is commonly served during festive gatherings and holidays in Brazil, much like other savory pies in various cultures.

Summary:

Empadão is a traditional Brazilian savory pie filled with flavorful ingredients like chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp, along with vegetables and seasonings. It is encased in a buttery, flaky pastry crust and baked until golden. Empadão is a beloved comfort food, often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings, and can be customized with various fillings to suit regional tastes or personal preferences.