Colombian Empanadas with Ají
Photo: Frederick Medina / Unsplash
Crisp, golden corn-dough turnovers filled with a savoury mix of shredded beef, potato and hogao, fried until crackling and served with a squeeze of lime and fresh, spicy ají sauce.
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Start your free weekContinue with free accessCook beef and potatoes
Simmer the beef in salted water for 30 minutes until tender, then shred finely. Boil the potatoes for 12 minutes until soft and roughly mash.
Make the filling
Fry the scallions, tomato, garlic, cumin and half the achiote in a little oil for 6 minutes to make a hogao. Stir in the beef and potatoes, season well with salt and let cool.
Make the dough
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Shape the empanadas
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Fry and make the ají
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Cook beef and potatoes
Simmer the beef in salted water for 30 minutes until tender, then shred finely. Boil the potatoes for 12 minutes until soft and roughly mash.
Make the filling
Fry the scallions, tomato, garlic, cumin and half the achiote in a little oil for 6 minutes to make a hogao. Stir in the beef and potatoes, season well with salt and let cool.
Make the dough
This step is part of Foodie Premium. Subscribe to unlock the full method, cooking mode and every recipe in the library.
Shape the empanadas
This step is part of Foodie Premium. Subscribe to unlock the full method, cooking mode and every recipe in the library.
Fry and make the ají
This step is part of Foodie Premium. Subscribe to unlock the full method, cooking mode and every recipe in the library.
The Story Behind the Dish
Empanadas reached the Americas from Spain, but in Colombia the wheat pastry was replaced with corn dough, inherited from indigenous cooking. The result is thinner, crisper and naturally golden.
They're sold on street corners, in bakeries and at every celebration, and a bowl of homemade ají is always on the side.
⭐ Why It's Famous
The crunchy corn shell, savoury filling and bright, spicy ají make them Colombia's favourite snack.
💡 Fun Fact
In Colombia, it's practically mandatory to squeeze lime over an empanada and spoon ají into each bite — eating one plain is considered a missed opportunity.
Colombia (nationwide)
6.24°N, -75.58°W
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