Spanish Tuna Empanadillas

By Jessica Swartz May 1, 2023 33 mins read 81 Views

Spanish empanadas, which are large, savory tarts, can be filled with vegetables, beef, seafood or both. The smaller tuna empanadillas still have a Mediterranean flair, but they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead. This tuna empanadilla is traditionally fried but baked to make it lighter and easier.

Mark Beahm is the photographer.

Tuna empanadillas might seem strange, especially if your familiarity with Latin American empanadas is greater. These savory hand-pies are from Galicia, a region on the Atlantic Coast of Spain that is known for its seafood.

These handheld delights are a staple of Iberian food for centuries. They first appeared in Catalan cooking books as early as 1500! The name empanadillas comes from the verb which means to "bread" or "wrap with bread."

This rich, smokey filling is made by combining canned tuna with olives, capers and sweet bell peppers. Add paprika to the mix, along with lemon zest and a hard-boiled yolk. Once the filling has been prepared, divide the dough into portions, then fill and seal. Don't worry if your dough-making skills aren't up to par! This recipe is very simple and requires little time to rest.

Serve a Spanish picnic on a hot day with Watermelon Sangria, and Tomato Gazpacho chilled.

Ingredients of Tuna Empanadillas

These empanadillas combine the bright and briny flavors of Galicia with high-quality canned salmon, olives and capers.

Extra virgin Olive Oil: Use our Hojiblanca EVOO to coat flour and create a flaky, tender dough.
Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste of homemade empanadas.
All purpose flour: Creates dough that is sturdy, but still tender. It's also strong enough to hold fillings.
Onion : Use a milder and sweeter yellow onion such as Spanish, Vidalia or Walla Walla.
Green and red bell pepper: The green and red peppers have a mix of bittersweet flavors, including grassy and fruity.
Bay Leaf: The bay leaf's subtle flavor is a combination of minty and piney notes.
Tuna in cans: Use high-quality tuna that is packed in olive oils.
Pimenton dulce Spain's paprika is produced in La Vera. For an authentic taste, use Spanish sweet or smoked paprika.
Tomatoes : Grate the tomatoes using the coarsest part of a box grator into a large dish. The skin and juice can be used, but the flesh should not.
Capers:Capers are preserved buds of a Mediterranean bush. They are floral, salty and savory all at the same time. These are great with anything that contains tuna or salmon.
Garlic In Spanish cuisine, garlic is a key ingredient. It adds a richness of flavor to the dish and balances out the briney taste of capers.
Fresh Parsley: Use flat leaf Italian parsley because of its herbaceous and bright aroma.
Citrus zest:Citrus brings out the rich, salty flavor of the filling.
Egg A hard boiled egg can be added to the filling, but it is optional. The raw egg is used to brush on the crust of the empanadas as they bake.
Dark olives: Dark olives are fully ripened, just like Kalamata and Nicoise olives. They are milder than green and give the filling a rich earthy flavor.

How to make tuna empanadillas

This recipe for empanadas only requires a short rest of the dough. These savory hand pies are surprisingly easy to make.

To make the dough, combine 1/2 cup olive, 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add 3 cups of flour gradually, stirring with the wooden spoon. When the dough has come together, begin kneading it by hand. Continue until the dough does not stick to your hands. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest while you prepare your filling.
Prepare the filling. Chop 1 small onion and green bell pepper. Add the olive oil to a large pan over medium heat. Add the vegetables and bay leaf to the oil once it begins to shimmer. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize. Add 2 cans of tuna drained, 2 grated tomato, 1 tablespoon capers, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and a pinch black pepper.
Simmer : Reduce heat to low, and cook 8-10 minutes or until the liquid is almost completely evaporated. Add one garlic clove minced, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and the zest from one lemon to the filling. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat, and add one hard-boiled chopped egg and 1/4 cup of chopped olives. Allow to cool until you can handle it.
Prepare: Arrange oven racks on the upper and lower thirds and heat the oven to 400degF. As the oven is heating up, line two baking sheets in parchment paper.
Form the dough: Divide it into 16 equal parts and roll into small balls. Cover the dough with a moist kitchen towel to stop it from drying. Press each piece of dough with your hands into a 5-inch circle. Add about 2 tablespoons to the center of your circle once it is formed.
Fold empanadillas. Fold dough over filling, and seal edges gently with your fingers. Seal the edges with the tines on a fork and create a decorative crimp.
Bake : Arrange empanadillas onto the baking sheets lined with parchment paper. To add the final touch, whisk together 1 large yolk and 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Then, using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the empanadillas. Bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are golden brown. Rotate the pans halfway through and change shelves to ensure an even cook.

How to serve tuna empanadillas

La Merienda, the Spanish tradition for a late-afternoon snack. The snack can be sweet or savory, and served with a hot drink or cold beverage. This is the time to enjoy an empanadilla with a cana (small beer) or a refreshing drink like Spanish Sangria.

Create a tapas meal with empanadillas and olives. Add spicy Patatas Bravas or Pan con Tomate to the mix.

Take a taste of Spain!

Spanish Beef Empanadillas
Chorizo Pasta With Spinach
Easy Seafood Paella Recipe
Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)

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Spanish Tuna Empanadillas

These savory hand pies, which are bursting with vibrant flavors from Spain, can be made using pantry staples and easily available produce. This recipe bakes them instead of frying, for a healthier and easier alternative to the traditional method.

Lunch Course

Spanish Cuisine

Prep time minutes

Cook Time forty minutes

Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Servings

Calories 534.44 Kcal

Author Mark Beahm

Ingredients

The Dough:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

For the Filling of:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 small bell pepper diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 dried Bay Leaf
2 12 ounce cans of tuna in olive oils, flaked
2 medium tomatoes, coarsely grated or finely chopped
1 tablespoon Capers Drained and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon pimenton dulce or paprika
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley leaves
Zest from 1 Lemon
1 hardboiled egg
1/4 cup pitted black olives, chopped

To wash eggs:

1 large egg
1 tablespoon water

Instructions

To make the dough, in a large bowl whisk together the water, olive oil and salt. Add the flour gradually, stirring the mixture with a wooden spatula, until it comes together. Then, scrape the dough out onto a clean surface, and knead it by hand, until the dough becomes smooth and malleable. It should no longer stick to your hands, or the counter. Cover the dough and allow it to rest in the bowl while you prepare the filling.
Sauté the vegetables in a large pan with olive oil on medium heat. The oil should be shimmering, but not smoking. Add the bay leaf, onion, and peppers. Cook, stirring with a wooden spatula, for 6-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and begin to caramelize.
Filling: Add tuna, tomatoes and capers. Sprinkle with paprika. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of pan and loosen all the tasty browned bits. Reduce the heat and cook for 8-10 minutes until the liquid is almost completely evaporated.
Add the aromatics. Add the parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Remove the pan from the heat. Remove the bay leaves and add the olives and hard-boiled eggs. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the hard-boiled egg and olives.
Pre-heat your oven. Arrange the racks in both the upper and the lower thirds and heat to 400degF. Line two baking sheets in parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: Divide it into 16 equal portions and form them into small balls. To prevent the dough from drying, cover it with a damp clean kitchen towel. Press the dough into a 5-inch circle using your hands.
Fill the empanadas by adding about 2 tablespoons to the middle of the dough. Fold the dough around the filling, and gently press together the edges with your fingertips. Seal the edges with the tines on a fork and create a decorative crimp.
Place the empanadas in the baking pans. Place 8 empanadas on each baking sheet, without touching. Whisk the egg in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Then bake on the lower rack, using a pastry brush. Rotate the pan, and bake the empanadas on the upper rack for 10 minutes.
Serve : Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

It's worth freezing half of the empanadas for later. For freezing, place them on a baking tray without touching (without egg wash and unbaked). Then transfer them to a freezer. Brush with eggwash and reheat the dish in the oven. Add a few minutes each time.
Try this recipe for beef empanadillas if you liked the tuna version. It is easy to cook in bulk and keep them on hand.
Browse our store for quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 54g

The Mediterranean Dish first published the recipe Spanish Tuna Empanadillas.

By: Mark Beahm
Title: Spanish Tuna Empanadillas
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/tuna-empanadillas/
Published Date: Mon, 01 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mediterranean diet safe for people with diabetes?

The Mediterranean Diet is a good choice for those with diabetes. This diet emphasizes whole foods and limits refined sugars and carbohydrates. It also focuses more on healthy fats than butter and lard. This diet reduces the risk of developing diabetes and lowers blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Incorporating light exercise into your diet can help stabilize and regulate blood sugar levels. A balanced diet that includes healthy food substitutions, such as whole-grain bread being replaced with whole-grain bread and nuts being added to salads rather than crackers, can help manage symptoms of many different conditions.

What are the main principles of the Mediterranean diet, and how can they be applied to your daily life?

The Mediterranean diet is a lifestyle choice known for focusing on healthful and nutritious food choices and regular physical activity. This diet focuses on fruits, vegetables whole grains, legumes and healthy fats such olive oil and nuts. A moderate amount of dairy, meat, fish, and poultry is also encouraged. Red wine should be enjoyed in moderation. These are the basic principles of the Mediterranean diet:

Consume primarily plant foods including fruits and veggies, whole-grain bread, cereals, beans (legumes), and seeds. You can also eat yogurt (preferably low fat) and small amounts (at most twice per week) of lean poultry or red beef. There are very few fried foods.
When possible, prefer fresh ingredients to pre-packaged processed foods.
To enhance the flavor of your meals, add herbs to replace salt.
Get active by adding some exercise to your daily schedule, such a walk after dinner, or taking up a class.
Enjoy sharing meals with friends and family, and enjoy the joy of eating together.
Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your food's flavors, textures, and smells. This will allow you to know when you feel full and satisfied.

What are the main dishes in a Mediterranean food plan?

Mediterranean cuisine includes fruits, vegetables (at least twice per week), whole grains, legumes. Nuts are an option. When possible, it is best to eat fresh ingredients rather than pre-packaged processed food. Use herbs to enhance your meals. It is essential to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine in order to reap all the benefits of this diet. This diet can be made more enjoyable by sharing mindful eating techniques with friends and family when sharing meals.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal can be included in the Mediterranean Diet. Whole grains such as oats can be a good source for dietary fiber, iron, and magnesium. Oatmeal can be combined with blueberries, nuts and seeds or savory foods like eggs and cheese. Oatmeal has many uses and is a great choice for healthy breakfasts. Oatmeal can be added to smoothies, used as a topping in protein bars or simply eaten plain with almond butter and various toppings like cinnamon, gojiberries and chia seed. Oats are very popular in countries of the Mediterranean basin. Many consider them to be compatible with this type diet.

What should I be eating in a Mediterranean day?

Healthy fats, healthy proteins, plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the foundation of a Mediterranean diet. A Mediterranean diet should contain seven to ten daily servings (or more) of vegetables and three to four 3-ounce servings (or less) of lean proteins such as chicken and fish. Healthy fats like olive oil and nuts are also encouraged in moderate amounts. For a balanced diet, you should consume three to four servings of whole grain, such as quinoa barley, oats or barley each day.

Also, it is important to limit foods that are unhealthy when consumed frequently. These include all processed foods and added sugars, unhealthy fats as well as white bread, starches and sweetened drinks such sodas or juices. Reduced-fat dairy products should be avoided if possible. Because of the potential for mercury contamination, fish should be limited to three meals per week.

It's important to plan meals so that you can reap the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

A Mediterranean diet is a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious lifestyle. Choose high-quality proteins such as wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, and organic eggs to ensure the healthiest meals. Incorporate heart-healthy fats like nuts, avocados and extra virgin Olive oil. Whole grains like quinoa, barley and oats should be included in your meals. Reduce unhealthy fats, added sweetness, processed food, starches, red and processed meats.

What can I do to lose weight with the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, you can lose weight following the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean Diet's emphasis on whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and high-quality fats like olive oils, can help to reduce calories and provide essential nutrients that will improve your overall health. You can lose weight by including physical activity in your diet. With the right mindset, you can reduce your intake of processed foods and red meats, as well as add sugars, to help you maintain a healthy weight.

Can I drink alcohol on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation as part a Mediterranean diet. The recommended daily limit for alcohol consumption is 1 glass per person for women and 2 for men. Suitable drinks include dry wines, beer, and spirits made with natural ingredients such as brandy, vodka, whiskey, or gin. Heavy spirits like cocktails should be avoided due to their high sugar content. Additionally, incorporating daily doses of fluids such as water or herbal teas can keep the body hydrated and help reduce cravings for sugary drinks!

Statistics

Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)

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How To

How to Incorporate Mediterranean-Inspired Foods into Your Daily Meals?

A Mediterranean diet can improve your quality of life and overall health. Healthy fats, whole grains and legumes are all part of this eating plan. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also included in the daily meals. You can reap the health benefits of eating this way, such as improved blood lipids, better glucose control and reduced risk for certain types and cancers, better cardiac health and cognitive function, and weight management. Incorporating Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet can be done with ease by following several helpful tips:

Switch to nutrient-dense foods like hummus or traditional greens such as beans and chips in place of high-calorie snacks.
Learn how to increase variety in your diet by adding spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
You can increase your hunger after eating by incorporating legumes and grains.
To get more nutrition, include moderate amounts yogurt, cheese, or milk throughout the day.
Instead of using traditional oils, use olive oil instead.
To complete your Mediterranean experience, you can enjoy red wine from time to time.

If you are willing to make small changes to your daily meals, you can easily adopt Mediterranean eating habits. You will reap the potential health benefits and still enjoy your food. If combined with regular exercise of an average intensity, one can see more dramatic improvements in short-term results as well as long-term benefits on body composition, health status, and even chronic disease prevention.