EMPANADAS

El Duro · Foro Master

RE: EMPANADAS

Chilenita · Comandante

Dogo wrote:

latina4evrgp wrote:

Dogo wrote:

@Colo: Yes, Jumbo Only makes Chilean ones (last time I was there, anyway)
But really... It's not really a "nice" place, and it's tiny.
I like more the idea of a real non-typical-TO-latino nice place, that looks like an old Bs. As./Paris cafe-bar, and cater mostly to non-latinos, with espresso bar, etc. Nothing big, but definitely bigger Jumbo

I don't think I've ever been to Jumbo Empanada place? but I like the idea of euro style bar/ cafe featuring specialty items. I would want it modern but at the same time somewhat traditional --the look like you are somewhere else.

Wondering why u want to cater to non-latinos only? Why not cater to everyone. Once the style is set you will cater to a certain type crowd if that is what you are looking for?

My mom has been bugging me for a while to open up something similar. It's all in the seasoning.

Not exactly cater to non-latinos ONLY, but my emphasis would be on the gringo market more than anything. If Latinos come, then, welcome
For several reasons
-The main one being: latinos will make thier own empanadas (for the most part)
-I think you'd be able to charge a bit more to non-latinos (the novelty, etc) In a nice place you could proably sell an empanada for 2-3 bucks. Latinos wouldn't pay that if they knew where to get it for a buck and a half. IMO.
For the most part I don't think latinos care so much about how the place looks ("ambiance"). Generally it's the bottom line that matters ($)

iF YOU WANT THE GRINGOS TO COME PUT MAC AND CHEESE IN THEM :)

Jumbo Empanadas is not the nicest looking place and they are NOT the best empanadas either. They do have a HUGE gringo following! I would say that most of their clients are gringos. I think location is key. Not all gringos are up for trying something different. Kensington is FULL of gringos that are into "different" things. There are very few places in this city that I think it would work.

BTW I don't like Argie ones at all except the ones from Salta

McOSIRIS · Comandante

my grandma makes the best empanadas....

don't believe me??? well... ask ME! blankstare

Shei · Guru

ayer me comi unas de queso roquefort.... que buenas!!!

salsitas · Regular

MMM acabo de comer unas empanadas chilenas en el kensington un poco desabridas muy masudas y caras....
me pregunto en donde se venden empanadas y comida con buen sabor y sazon aqui en toronto?

Guadalupana · Foro Master

Hugo wrote:

Las empanadas chilenas son las mejores, para mi ke soy chileno

Dogo, there's this place, The Empanada Company, it caters mostly to gringos, their empanadas are not bad, they have indian, italian, portuguese, polish, thai empanadas and many more! They also have a choice of multigrain dough, fried vs baked, etc (empanada.ca)

Maybe you should present this idea to the Dragons!! LOLLL

Agreed!!!

y eso que NO soy chilena, it has a lot to say about that.

Motown Junkie · TOP Guru

Hugo wrote:

Las empanadas chilenas son las mejores, para mi ke soy chileno

Dogo, there's this place, The Empanada Company, it caters mostly to gringos, their empanadas are not bad, they have indian, italian, portuguese, polish, thai empanadas and many more! They also have a choice of multigrain dough, fried vs baked, etc (empanada.ca)

Maybe you should present this idea to the Dragons!! LOLLL

Is that the place by Lakeshore and Brown's Line???

Hugo · Guru

Las empanadas chilenas son las mejores, para mi ke soy chileno smile

Dogo, there's this place, The Empanada Company, it caters mostly to gringos, their empanadas are not bad, they have indian, italian, portuguese, polish, thai empanadas and many more! They also have a choice of multigrain dough, fried vs baked, etc (empanada.ca)

Maybe you should present this idea to the Dragons!! LOLLL

LGigolo · Comandante

Use that tomato for the salad, not to make a facial!!!

latina4evrgp · Guru

LGigolo wrote:

latina4evrgp wrote:

cool. Any website I can look at?

YES. Please click HERE!

You're welcome!

-- Edited by LGigolo at 14:00, 2008-11-27

LGigolo · Comandante

latina4evrgp wrote:

cool. Any website I can look at?

YES. Please click HERE!

You're welcome!

-- Edited by LGigolo at 14:00, 2008-11-27

latina4evrgp · Guru

LGigolo wrote:

latina4evrgp wrote:
I agree that not anyone can make empanadas. Just because you make them doesn't mean they are good I've had empanadas that you can literally throw against the wall and they bounce back.

Don't worry, though - with practice you'll start making better empanadas!

I wasn't talking about me. I can cook and not just spanish food either.

latina4evrgp · Guru

cool. Any website I can look at?

LGigolo · Comandante

latina4evrgp wrote:
I agree that not anyone can make empanadas. Just because you make them doesn't mean they are good I've had empanadas that you can literally throw against the wall and they bounce back.

Don't worry, though - with practice you'll start making better empanadas!

Dogo · Comandante

Furniture/Interior design trade. We manufacture.
I deal a lot with int designers/decorators/arquitects and trades people in general.
The trench coat 'business' is just a hobby

Chuck · Guru

I didn't know empanadas were that popular.

latina4evrgp · Guru

@ Dogo

What do u do? Does it involve a trench coat ashamed

I agree that not anyone can make empanadas. Just because you make them doesn't mean they are good biggrin

I've had empanadas that you can literally throw against the wall and they bounce back. biggrin

GENIE · Foro Master

ok as far as i am aware what you guys call empanadas we call pasteles! mmmmmmmm so good! but we make them with Corn flour and they are fried not baked have carne con papa inside and una salsa de tomaeto on the side! Then the empandads are made of plantano maduro con una crema de leche inside again semi fried and covered in sugar mmmmmmmthey are so good!!!! omg im craving them no!! damit ppl dont do this to pregnant ladies!!! cuz i have no clue where they sell them!!!

Dogo · Comandante

TV Buff wrote:

Dogo wrote:

I've been toying with the idea of opening an empanada place. Empanada/bar (latin/euro style bar, not north american style bar) With empanadas from all Latin countries that make empanadas. (among other small items, but mainly empanadas)
Gringos seem to love empanadas (I least everyone that I have seen try one) And they will try every food once
Yay or nay?

Why on earth would you give away your business ideas/plans on a public forum?

And also, shouldn't you know how to MAKE the empanadas to open up an empanada restaurant... On second thought, no, you don't have to... never mind.

ok, it's empanadas! it's not like I gave away the secret recipe to KFC, or INVENTED the empanada.
I'm pretty sure anyone can think of it, and it wouldn't be the first empanada place. How you develop it properly is a different story. Also, it may be something I never do. Just one of those things you think about
But I think that because of the trade I'm in/contacts, I would be at a bit of an advantage to put it together.
Did I ever mention to you, what I do? blankstare

La Rebelde · Senior Member

LGigolo wrote:

TV Buff wrote:
OMG!!! Those are the ones I was talking about (minus the Queso and the sugar, of course!) Man, those look delish! Can I find those in T.O.?

I'm sure they could be found somewhere - probably some another Ecua can tell you a specific place that sells them regularly. The one place that comes to mind and I havebought from a few times is en el basement de la iglesia San Juan Bautista. But they don't necesarily serve 'em every week

you can find them at Las Fronteras Restaurant on keele n finch.
Ecua rest. that is really good! smile

LGigolo · Comandante

TV Buff wrote:
OMG!!! Those are the ones I was talking about (minus the Queso and the sugar, of course!) Man, those look delish! Can I find those in T.O.?

I'm sure they could be found somewhere - probably some another Ecua can tell you a specific place that sells them regularly. The one place that comes to mind and I havebought from a few times is en el basement de la iglesia San Juan Bautista. But they don't necesarily serve 'em every week hmm

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Dogo wrote:

I've been toying with the idea of opening an empanada place. Empanada/bar (latin/euro style bar, not north american style bar) With empanadas from all Latin countries that make empanadas. (among other small items, but mainly empanadas)
Gringos seem to love empanadas (I least everyone that I have seen try one) And they will try every food once
Yay or nay?

Why on earth would you give away your business ideas/plans on a public forum?

And also, shouldn't you know how to MAKE the empanadas to open up an empanada restaurant... On second thought, no, you don't have to... never mind.

TV Buff · TOP Guru

LGigolo wrote:
Empanadas de Viento (Queso y Viento adentro)

These are not very filling; but rather good as a mid afternoon snack con una buena taza de cafe!

OMG!!! Those are the ones I was talking about (minus the Queso and the sugar, of course!) Man, those look delish! Can I find those in T.O.?

TV Buff · TOP Guru

Dogo wrote:

I know Argies, Chilenos and Colmbianos have empanadas, and I've tried all of them. (And the Argentinas are the best. Sorry Colo )
What other latin countries have empanadas in thier cuisine, and what's in them?

Hubby makes the best Empanaditas de Maduro in the world. This is a nicaraguan dish (as far as I know), but it's quite hard to make 'cause it's made with ripe plaintain. The stuffing is made of rice, ground beed and it's spicy. It is quite delicious, but if the plaintain is too ripe, it's too soft, and if it's too hard, it won't work.

I also used to have Empanaditas de Aire (<< not their real name) when I was in high school, but those are not that filling... And the lady who sold them hated my friend and I for calling them that 'cause technically they were called "De queso" but the queso was nowhere to be found.

Thanks! Now I'm hungry

Daeveed · Foro Master

latina4evrgp wrote:
Yes but if the place makes amazing food, that is what it will be known for and as far as pricing I think if the place is nice, people will dish out the money. I would!

Perhaps your right some people don't dish out the money but I know for sure ambiance, cleanliness, service, taste is a big thing for me. That is what I like to see.

Sounds good!

that's a non-latino way of thinking.

latina4evrgp · Guru

Hum ok, I see...

Yes but if the place makes amazing food, that is what it will be known for and as far as pricing I think if the place is nice, people will dish out the money. I would!

Perhaps your right some people don't dish out the money but I know for sure ambiance, cleanliness, service, taste is a big thing for me. That is what I like to see.

Sounds good!

Mastropiero · Guru

Dogo · Comandante

latina4evrgp wrote:

Dogo wrote:

@Colo: Yes, Jumbo Only makes Chilean ones (last time I was there, anyway)
But really... It's not really a "nice" place, and it's tiny.
I like more the idea of a real non-typical-TO-latino nice place, that looks like an old Bs. As./Paris cafe-bar, and cater mostly to non-latinos, with espresso bar, etc. Nothing big, but definitely bigger Jumbo

I don't think I've ever been to Jumbo Empanada place? but I like the idea of euro style bar/ cafe featuring specialty items. I would want it modern but at the same time somewhat traditional --the look like you are somewhere else.

Wondering why u want to cater to non-latinos only? Why not cater to everyone. Once the style is set you will cater to a certain type crowd if that is what you are looking for?

My mom has been bugging me for a while to open up something similar. It's all in the seasoning.

Not exactly cater to non-latinos ONLY, but my emphasis would be on the gringo market more than anything. If Latinos come, then, welcome
For several reasons
-The main one being: latinos will make thier own empanadas (for the most part)
-I think you'd be able to charge a bit more to non-latinos (the novelty, etc) In a nice place you could proably sell an empanada for 2-3 bucks. Latinos wouldn't pay that if they knew where to get it for a buck and a half. IMO.
For the most part I don't think latinos care so much about how the place looks ("ambiance"). Generally it's the bottom line that matters ($)

confundida · Foro Master

@latinnoseke...

cuz dogo is non latino his ARGENTINO BIG DIFFERENCE!!!

latina4evrgp · Guru

Dogo wrote:

@Colo: Yes, Jumbo Only makes Chilean ones (last time I was there, anyway)
But really... It's not really a "nice" place, and it's tiny.
I like more the idea of a real non-typical-TO-latino nice place, that looks like an old Bs. As./Paris cafe-bar, and cater mostly to non-latinos, with espresso bar, etc. Nothing big, but definitely bigger Jumbo

I don't think I've ever been to Jumbo Empanada place? but I like the idea of euro style bar/ cafe featuring specialty items. I would want it modern but at the same time somewhat traditional --the look like you are somewhere else.

Wondering why u want to cater to non-latinos only? Why not cater to everyone. Once the style is set you will cater to a certain type crowd if that is what you are looking for?

My mom has been bugging me for a while to open up something similar. It's all in the seasoning.

Mermaid · Guru

I LOVE empanadas.... I like them all... as long as they are home made. I have tried the argentinian empanadas , they are pretty good but were a bit dried for my taste. A friend of the family who is from Chile makes the best (IMO) chilenean empanadas. She makes some with shrimp

so yummy.
Las empanadas de verde (green plantain) with coconut juice mmmmm back home this convination is very popular and yummy for a fast sunday breakfast...

@Chuck: Randy's Patty on Eglinton sale really good patties...

Now I am hungry...

Dogo · Comandante

@Colo: Yes, Jumbo Only makes Chilean ones (last time I was there, anyway)
But really... It's not really a "nice" place, and it's tiny.
I like more the idea of a real non-typical-TO-latino nice place, that looks like an old Bs. As./Paris cafe-bar, and cater mostly to non-latinos, with espresso bar, etc. Nothing big, but definitely bigger Jumbo

Colombiana4Life · Foro Master

Dogo wrote:

I know Argies, Chilenos and Colmbianos have empanadas, and I've tried all of them. (And the Argentinas are the best. Sorry Colo )
What other latin countries have empanadas in thier cuisine, and what's in them?

We'll agree to disagree, K. LOL.

Ur actually not the first person to toy with the idea of an Empanada place. But isnt there Jumbo Empanadas? I think they make chilean ones only though.

What i do agree with you is that with Empanadas, it depends who makes them, especially when they're from a restaurant, not everyone makes them the same.

I may be a bit biased but the best Colombian empanadas i've had here by far are the ones that my family make for the Colombian festival at Lawrence/Caledonia. The restaurant ones i've tasted are either way too greasy, half burnt, some even taste half frozen.

Chuck · Guru

beef patties

LGigolo · Comandante

Dogo wrote:

I've been toying with the idea of opening an empanada place. Empanada/bar (latin/euro style bar, not north american style bar) With empanadas from all Latin countries that make empanadas. (among other small items, but mainly empanadas)
Gringos seem to love empanadas (I least everyone that I have seen try one) And they will try every food once
Yay or nay?

YEY!!!... but...

I say you make a few samples and invite Foro regulars for a tasting!

-- Edited by LGigolo at 13:04, 2008-11-25

Dogo · Comandante

Latina, There aran't many paces that make GOOD Argie empanadas. Home made are the best, but if you must try.... try El Gaucho. Jane and wilso area.
Emporio are Uruguayos. Similar but I don't think they make them the same way (I haven't tried them though)

latina4evrgp · Guru

LG ...malo ....lol

yes green plantain you're right! But I don't like them in that pic...too fried, and toasted.

Dogo · Comandante

I've been toying with the idea of opening an empanada place. Empanada/bar (latin/euro style bar, not north american style bar) With empanadas from all Latin countries that make empanadas. (among other small items, but mainly empanadas)
Gringos seem to love empanadas (I least everyone that I have seen try one) And they will try every food once
Yay or nay?

LGigolo · Comandante

latina4evrgp wrote:

where can I get Argie empanadas? I'd like to try it. Emporium on Wilson?

Anywhere in Argentina, try Buenos Aires.

You're welcome!

LGigolo · Comandante

latina4evrgp wrote:

I luv empanadas de viento w/ cheese...we make them.

Also empanadas the verde (green banana) w/ cheese ....yummy! The green banana has to be smoothed out like a thin texture. Half of it is grated and the other part cooked.

These are ecuadorian empanadas ---sorry the best!

Verde = green plantain (as opposed to green banana

)

Yes, those are great too - I love Ecua empanadas con cafesito! biggrin

latina4evrgp · Guru

where can I get Argie empanadas? I'd like to try it. Emporium on Wilson?

LGigolo · Comandante

Dogo wrote:

Nevermind.... I just read you sprinkle sugar on top. Not a big fan of that, but otherwise look really good

Next time read the fine print before you ask! furious

I had not read it either... LOL biggrin

latina4evrgp · Guru

I luv empanadas de viento w/ cheese...we make them.

Also empanadas the verde (green banana) w/ cheese ....yummy! The green banana has to be smoothed out like a thin texture. Half of it is grated and the other part cooked.

These are ecuadorian empanadas ---sorry the best!

Dogo · Comandante

BTW, Latina.... Argie empanadas are usually baked, but sometimes also fried

Dogo · Comandante

Nevermind.... I just read you sprinkle sugar on top. Not a big fan of that, but otherwise look really good

LGigolo · Comandante

Yes, sugar.

I mean, YES, THAT is sugar.

Dogo · Comandante

L'G: those look awsome....
I that sugar on top??

Dogo · Comandante

latina4evrgp wrote:

I don't know why but every time I eat empanadas chilenas I burp like no tomorrow....something doesn't agree with me.

I like colombian when the are not oily....but they are stingy with the meat.

I never tasted argentinian empanandas??? what's in it?

Generally... Ground beef (not minced), chopped egg, onion (somtimes a little garlic) sliced green olives, and spices....
If you eat ones made by someone from Mendoza (limit with Chile) they will put raisins in it

just like Chilean emapnadas. Some people also put a little toamtoe in them. The beef ones are the most traditional ones.
There also chicken, jam and cheese, and de "humita" (corn and something)

LGigolo · Comandante

RECETA:

Empanadas de Viento

Las empanadas de viento son mis empanadas favoritas, la combinación de quesillo derretido con cebollitas y la masa frita crujiente espolvoreada con azúcar es deliciosa. En un mundo perfecto sin calorías me las comería todos los días, las empanadas de viento son muy ricas para el desayuno o brunch y también para el cafecito de la tarde. Son muy fáciles de preparar, lo más importante es sellarlas bien para que el quesillo no se escape, por eso yo las sello cuatro veces: primero con los dedos, luego con un tenedor, después otra vez con los dedos doblando y torciendo la masa, y por ultimo otra vez con el tenedor. También las dejo reposar en la refrigeradora por lo menos una hora antes de freír, tal vez esto parezca demasiado, pero ya me ha pasado que se escapa un poco de quesillo y resulta un completo desorden en la sartén cuando las empanadas se están friendo.

Estas empanadas con queso también son una excelente entrada, aunque según mi esposo son un buen postre, porque según él si tienen azúcar debe ser un postre, intente explicarle que NO son un postre, pero es muy terco, de igual manera creo que no importa porque a cualquier hora son deliciosas. Las puede preparar usando masa preparada en casa o con los discos de empanadas congelados que venden en el supermercado.

Ingredientes:

15 discos medianos o 25 discos pequeños para empanadas fritas (use la masa preparada en casa o los discos congelados del supermercado)

2 ½ tazas de quesillo desmenuzado o rallado (puede usar mozzarella, monterey jack, queso Oaxaca o cualquier queso que sea bueno para derretir)

1 taza de cebollita blanca picada finamente

½ taza de azúcar para espolvorear

Aceite de canola o girasol para freír

Preparación:

Mezcle el quesillo y la cebollita blanca
Ponga una cucharada de la mezcla anterior en el centro de cada tapa o disco
Doble las tapas y selle los bordes presionando suavemente con los dedos, luego use un tenedor para sellar los bordes, luego use los dedos para torcer y doblar los exteriores del borde, y por ultimo use el tenedor otra vez para terminar de sellarlos.
Refrigere las empanadas por los menos durante una hora para que se sellen correctamente.
Caliente el aceite en una sartén o en una freidora profunda eléctrica, si va a freír las empanadas en una sartén asegúrese de agregar suficiente aceite para que por lo menos cubra la mitad de la empanada.
Cuando el aceite este muy caliente añada las empanadas y fríalas hasta que estén completamente doradas, aproximadamente un minuto por lado.
Ponga las empanadas encima de toallas de papel para que se absorba la grasa
Espolvoree las empanadas con azúcar y sirva calientitas.

LGigolo · Comandante

Dogo wrote:

I know Argies, Chilenos and Colmbianos have empanadas, and I've tried all of them. (And the Argentinas are the best. Sorry Colo )
What other latin countries have empanadas in thier cuisine, and what's in them?

Empanadas de Viento (Queso y Viento adentro)

These are not very filling; but rather good as a mid afternoon snack con una buena taza de cafe!