Goan Pork Empadinhas
Golden, flaky pastries filled with a delicious sweet, sour, and spicy minced pork filling. These Goan-style mini pies are a perfect appetizer or snack, bursting with rich, complex flavors.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Pastry Dough
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp of salt.
- c.Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
- d.In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg. Add it to the flour mixture and mix with a fork until just combined.
- e.Gradually add the ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix or knead.
- f.Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Pork Filling
- b.Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- c.Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- d.Increase the heat to medium-high, add the minced pork, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- e.Stir in the turmeric, red chili, cumin, and coriander powders, along with 1 tsp of salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of the spices disappears.
- f.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, until they break down and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- g.Pour in the vinegar and add the sugar. Mix well and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the filling is thick and most of the liquid has evaporated.
- h.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and chopped cilantro. Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Empadinhas
- b.Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch (3mm) thickness.
- d.Using a 4-inch (10cm) round cutter, cut out as many circles as you can. Gather and re-roll the scraps once to cut more circles.
- e.Place about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the cooled pork filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border.
- f.Lightly brush the edges of the dough with water. Fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork.
- g.Place the assembled empadinhas on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Golden Perfection
- b.In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with 1 teaspoon of water to create an egg wash.
- c.Brush the tops of the empadinhas evenly with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden shine.
- d.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown, crisp, and puffed.
- e.Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool slightly more. Serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the flakiest pastry, ensure all your ingredients (butter, water, egg) are very cold.
- 2Do not overwork the pastry dough. Mix it just until it comes together to avoid a tough crust.
- 3The pork filling must be completely cool before assembling. A warm filling will melt the butter in the pastry and make it greasy.
- 4Seal the edges of the empadinhas very well to prevent the delicious filling from leaking out during baking.
- 5For a richer, more authentic flavor, use Goan toddy vinegar or coconut vinegar if available.
- 6Make the filling a day in advance to save time. The flavors will also meld and deepen overnight.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Substitution
Replace the minced pork with minced chicken, turkey, beef, or lamb. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetarian FillingVegetarian Filling
Create a vegetarian version by using crumbled paneer, finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a mixture of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, spiced in the same Goan style.
Quick PastryQuick Pastry
If you're short on time, you can use store-bought puff pastry or shortcrust pastry sheets instead of making your own.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies or add a pinch of black pepper to the filling for an extra kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The minced pork filling provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
Rich in B Vitamins
Pork is a natural source of several B vitamins, including B12, B6, niacin, and thiamine. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Flavorful Spices with Benefits
The recipe uses spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while other spices contribute antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
One serving, which consists of three empadinhas, contains approximately 600-650 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the fat content of the pork and the exact amount of butter used.
