Some may assume that the crunchy—and sometimes soft—pouches of dough filled with hot stews of shredded beef, chicken, and vegetables, better known as empanadas, were initially born in Argentina.
And they aren’t entirely off, much like the spinning meat spit, better known as a trompo, which is said to have been brought by Lebanese immigrants to Mexico. Empanadas also have a debate about their origin. Who created it and where?
Some food and culture sites will tell you that the empanada first appeared in Argentina in the kitchens of immigrants from northern Spain. And that the first empanada looked more like a “larger, double-crusted pie cut into slices.”
While its origins are debated, we can all agree that empanadas are delicious.
Empanadas have continued to evolve and make their way across South America, the U.S., and the world. From Chile to Nicaragua, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and other countries have added their special touch. The differences are evident, and you notice them in the way they’re prepared and in the way they look—all equally mouthwatering as they are beautiful.
The great thing about living in Los Angeles is that we have all of them here. Over the years, immigrant families have opened hundreds of food trucks, markets, and restaurants, making empanadas a staple in the city.