Empanadilla vs. Empanada — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 1, 2024
Empanadillas are smaller, often snack-sized pastries, typically found in Spain and the Caribbean, while empanadas are larger, meal-sized turnovers popular in Latin America.
Difference Between Empanadilla and Empanada
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Empanadillas are typically smaller in size and often considered a snack or appetizer, ideal for parties or small gatherings. Empanadas, in contrast, are usually larger and can serve as a substantial meal, commonly filled with a variety of hearty ingredients.
The dough used for empanadillas is often lighter and flakier, which complements their smaller size and less filling nature. Empanadas, on the other hand, use a dough that can withstand more filling and is often slightly thicker to prevent breakage during baking or frying.
Empanadillas might be filled with a simple combination of ingredients such as tuna, tomato, and peppers, typical in Spanish cuisine. Empanadas have a wider variety of fillings, ranging from beef, chicken, and pork to sweet fillings in different cultural contexts.
In terms of cooking methods, empanadillas are commonly baked, aligning with a lighter, less calorific snack. Empanadas are frequently baked or fried, with frying being especially popular in countries like Argentina and Chile, giving them a crispy texture.
The cultural significance also varies; empanadillas are deeply integrated into Spanish and Caribbean culinary traditions as part of tapas or small plates, while empanadas are a staple in various South American cuisines, reflecting a broader range of cultural influences.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Smaller, snack-sized
Larger, meal-sized
Dough
Lighter, flakier
Thicker, more robust
Typical Fillings
Lighter fillings like tuna or vegetables
Hearty fillings like meats or complex mixes
Cooking Method
Typically baked
Often baked or fried
Cultural Significance
Part of tapas or small plates in Spanish cuisine
Integral to South American meals, varies by region
Compare with Definitions
Empanadilla
Commonly found in snack sizes, perfect for gatherings.
The party platter included mini empanadillas for easy snacking.
Empanada
A traditional Latin American turnover, large enough to be a full meal.
For lunch, he chose a beef empanada with a side of salsa.
Empanadilla
A small Spanish or Caribbean turnover filled with savory ingredients.
She enjoyed a spicy tuna empanadilla at the beach café.
Empanada
Features a variety of fillings, including meats and vegetables.
She ordered a chicken and olive empanada from the local diner.
Empanadilla
Typically baked to achieve a light, flaky texture.
Freshly baked empanadillas filled the room with a delicious aroma.
Empanada
Often prepared by baking or frying, depending on the region.
He preferred his empanadas fried to a golden crisp.
Empanadilla
Often served as part of a tapas selection.
The tapas menu featured empanadillas alongside patatas bravas.
Empanada
The dough is durable and slightly thick to contain ample filling.
The empanada's thick crust held a generous portion of spicy pork.
Empanadilla
Features simpler fillings to complement its smaller size.
The empanadillas were filled with a simple but tasty mixture of peppers and onions.
Empanada
Serves as a staple in many South American diets.
Empanadas are a must-have during family gatherings in Argentina.
Empanadilla
A small empanada.
Empanada
An empanada is a type of baked or fried turnover consisting of pastry and filling, common in Southern European, Latin American, and the Philippines cultures. The name comes from the Galician verb empanar, and translates as "enbreaded", that is, wrapped or coated in bread.
Empanada
A Spanish or Latin American turnover with a flaky crust and a savory or sweet filling.
Empanada
Any of a variety of stuffed pastries found in Spanish, Filipino, and Latin American cuisine.
Common Curiosities
Are the fillings for empanadillas simpler than those for empanadas?
Generally, yes. Empanadillas often have fewer and simpler ingredients in their fillings.
Which is more popular at parties, empanadillas or empanadas?
Empanadillas, due to their smaller size and convenience for guests to eat as finger food.
What is the main difference between an empanadilla and an empanada?
The main difference is size; empanadillas are smaller and often eaten as snacks, while empanadas are larger and more filling.
Can you find empanadas in Spain or empanadillas in South America?
Yes, both are available but are more traditional and common in their respective regions.
Is there a difference in the dough recipe between empanadillas and empanadas?
Yes, empanadilla dough is typically flakier, while empanada dough is denser.
Are empanadillas considered a main dish?
They are usually not considered a main dish but rather a snack or part of a larger meal.
Can empanadillas and empanadas be frozen for later use?
Yes, both can be prepped in advance and frozen, then baked or fried as needed.
Can empanadillas be fried like empanadas?
Yes, though they are typically baked, empanadillas can also be fried.
How did empanadillas and empanadas originate?
Both have origins in Spanish cuisine, but empanadas were heavily adapted in South America.
Are empanadillas and empanadas healthy?
While they can be part of a balanced diet, their nutritional value depends on the ingredients and cooking method.
Are there vegetarian options for both empanadillas and empanadas?
Absolutely, both can be filled with a variety of vegetables and cheeses.
What are typical spices used in empanadillas and empanadas?
Common spices include paprika, cumin, and chili.
What are common side dishes served with empanadas and empanadillas?
They can be served with sauces like salsa or aioli, or simple salads.
What are some innovative fillings for empanadillas and empanadas?
Fillings can range from traditional meats to creative options like seafood or exotic fruits.
How do you seal empanadillas and empanadas to prevent leaking?
The edges are typically crimped or folded over to seal the filling inside.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
