Their origin dates back to Spain, but it is believed they were imported by Arabs into modern Europe following the Persian tradition.
Some more history
And, precisely referring to these last, the earliest traces of empanadas appear in history. Until the first "modifications," with different shapes and fillings, depending on the regions where they were found.
It was during Alexander the Great’s conquests, but in the Middle Ages, empanadas reached Spain, after the Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula.
The name, empanada, derives from the Spanish "empanar," which means bread, in the sense of filling dough with bread.
The same dough that is subsequently baked in an oven, as tradition dictates. Essentially, a recipe that has been exported and is famous worldwide. Even if some countries still claim its origin today.
Tradition in Honduras
In Honduras, empanadas are considered street food, with testimonials emphasizing their humble origins, as they were mainly cooked by women on special occasions.
That is, to celebrate the return of men after long days working on banana plantations, where they remained for many weeks only to look after the herds.
Today, indeed, empanadas are an integral part of the national street cuisine. The traditional recipe features a filling of minced meat and onion, while the dough mainly consists of wheat flour, very ripe mashed plantains.
However, as mentioned earlier, nowadays there are options with various fillings and flours, mainly catering to those with specific dietary intolerances.
