Authentic Spanish Empanada Gallega with Savory Tuna and Peppers
A golden pastry filled with savory tuna, peppers, and onions, baked to perfection in about 60 minutes.
About This Recipe
Authentic Spanish Empanada Gallega brings together savory tuna and vibrant peppers, all wrapped in a flaky, golden pastry. The make-or-break move is baking until the crust is perfectly crisp.
Empanada Gallega is a classic dish from Galicia, Spain, featuring a delicious filling of tuna and peppers encased in a flaky pastry. We’ll make a dough that’s tender yet sturdy enough to hold the hearty filling.
This method works because we chill the dough before rolling it out, giving it a nice structure. Watch for that golden color when baking; it means the pastry is ready and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Expect a satisfying contrast between the crisp pastry and the tender filling. A common pitfall is overfilling the empanada, which can lead to a messy bake. Keep the filling generous but balanced.
Serve your empanada warm, perhaps with a simple side salad or some olives. This makes for a lovely lunch or a light dinner that’s packed with flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
Chilled Dough, Flaky Pastry: Chilling the dough helps it firm up, preventing shrinkage while baking.
Savory Filling Flavors: Cooking the filling before baking intensifies the flavors, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Golden Brown Finish: Baking until golden ensures the crust is crispy and the filling is hot throughout.
Chef's Pro Tip: Let the empanada rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
Ingredients
Handy tools while you cook
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2
Gradually add cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- 3
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add diced bell peppers, tuna, parsley, black pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- 5
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thick.
- 6
Cut the dough into two large circles. Place one circle on a baking sheet, add the filling, and cover with the second circle.
- 7
Seal the edges with a fork and brush the top with beaten egg. Cut a few slits for steam to escape.
- 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
fat
20g
carbs
30g
fiber
2g
sodium
250mg
protein
14g
calories
350
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