Empanadas Ticas: A Culinary Delight from Costa Rica

Empanadas Ticas are a traditional Costa Rican pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, creating a perfect blend of crisp and savory flavors. These delicious pastries trace back to the Spanish colonization in Latin America, but have since evolved in Costa Rica to include a wide array of fillings such as beans, cheese, and meats, making them a staple in Costa Rican cuisine.

Ingredients

• Masa - 2 cups of cornmeal.
• Water - 1 cup, warm.
• Salt - 1 teaspoon.
• Black Beans - 1 cup, cooked and mashed.
• Cheese - 1 cup, grated (use a Costa Rican cheese if available).
• Vegetable Oil - For frying.

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the masa with salt.
2. Gradually add water to the masa while mixing until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.

Filling the Empanadas

1. Flour a clean surface and roll out each dough ball into a flat circle.
2. Place a tablespoon of black beans and a tablespoon of cheese in the center of each circle.
3. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Cooking Process

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Carefully place the empanadas into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
3. Remove the empanadas and let them drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
4. For safe cooking times, refer to this cooking timer.

Enjoying Your Empanadas Ticas

Empanadas Ticas are best enjoyed warm and can be complemented with a variety of dipping sauces or condiments such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Serve these delightful pastries as an appetizer or a main course for a taste of Costa Rican tradition right at your table.