This is Maria- a wonderful, Argentinian woman who came to our hostel to teach a class on how to make empanadas. In South America, or at least in the three countries I have been to, empanadas are everywhere. Vendors on the street, small markets, restaurants, and grocery stores alike are all selling yummy pockets of dough, filled with any ingredients you like. A quick, delightful bite to eat, especially on this traveler's shoestring budget.
Maria gave us the recipe for to make 48 empanadas-for it seems that also in South America, or the three countires I have been to, portions are beyond generous. Walking around the room, she shared the spices, shown in tne white bowls. Cumin, chili, oregano, paprika round out the list. Added to some ground beef, and onion, a touch of salt-voilá-a filling.
For those who don't have premade empanada shells at their grocery, like they do here, you must make your own dough. Since I don't have good luck with making anything with dough, it was a helpful "flour+water" hint. Even the advice of using a wine bottle to flatten [not pictured here], was perfect.
We used the pre made empanada rounds to stuff and fold to our fancy, listening to Maria as she explained hoe the corners need to be tucked in to keep all the goodness inside.
With the empandadas all folded and placed in the oven, the group of travelers shared stories of near and far, where you came from, and where you're going next. It is the time I cherish the most in hostels, the community of the hopeless wanderers all looking for treasures and experience in this world.
When our they came out of the oven, Maria dutifully walked around, doling out every person's special one they made-carefully marked your own way.
And in the end, we cheers, for a cooking class in Mendoza is not complete without a glass of malbec in your hand.
Location:Mendoza, Argentina
