The History of Puerto Rican Empanadas
Empanadas, a type of baked or fried pastry with various fillings, are believed to have originated in Spain during the Middle Ages, possibly influenced by Arabic pastries introduced during the Moorish occupation. Spanish colonists then brought the dish to Latin America and the Philippines, where it became a staple with regional variations.
In Puerto Rico, “empanadas” are typically called empanadillas or pastelillos. These are fried pastries filled with savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, or cheese. While some consider them distinct dishes, both terms are used interchangeably for the same type of food on the island.
For years, empanadas were my signature culinary offerings at social gatherings. It was my way of showing love to family and friends. Over time, people kept encouraging me to sell my empanadas and refused every time. Until 2022, when one of my long time friends offered to pay me for 100 Empanadas for an event he was hosting. From there more orders came in. And after selling thousands of empanadas to friends and co-workers, I am making my famous empanadas for the public at large, straight from my kitchen to yours.
It is my vision, to not only bring you authentic Puerto Rican empanadas, but to also fuse different cultural cuisines into my rican delicacies.