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While empanadas may look plain at first sight, biting into them offers an explosion of flavor. April 8th is National Empanada Day, a celebration of their deliciousness, so it’s a good opportunity to learn just how many there actually are. As one of the most popular dishes in Latin America, empanadas exist in many forms. Every country seems to have its own version, and those versions often vary from region to region, so the world of Latin American empanadas is vast and exciting for your tastebuds. Let’s explore:
Empanadas from Colombia
Photo by Edgar Zuniga Jr. on Flickr
Colombians love their empanadas, and they take their family recipes very seriously. In Colombia, empanada dough is made of instant corn flour known as “masarepa” and fillings tend to be savory. Empanadas are also fried, so the crispy texture is a must. They love using bell pepper, onion, and garlic in their stews, and Colombian empanadas are usually accompanied by “ají,” a tangy, spicy sauce that elevates and sharpens the flavors.
Empanadas from Venezuela
Photo by Valeria Silva on Wikimedia Commons
Venezuelan empanadas are similar to Colombian empanadas in that they’re savory and always fried. They’re made with “P.A.N” flour, which is a pre-cooked white corn meal, and sometimes they’re made with the yellow corn meal version of P.A.N flour, which gives the dough more color and flavor. Venezuelan empanada fillings are as varied as you can imagine! From something as simple as mashed potatoes and cheese, to “pabellón criollo” filling, which combines all the ingredients of the national dish. Namely, shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried sweet plantain for sweet and savory combo.
Empanadas from Argentina
Argentinian empanadas are quite different in shape and flavor, so they’re also very popular. The main difference with other Latin American empanadas is that Argentinian empanadas are not made with corn flour, but rather wheat flavor. This makes the texture of the dough a bit flaky and tender but still crisp on the outside. Corn flour empanadas are heartier in comparison. In Argentina, empanadas can be baked or fried, and the most common fillings are ground beef, cubed beef, egg, and ham and cheese, among others. They’re also served with chimichurri, a delicious herb sauce that adds even more flavor.
Empanadas from Honduras
Photo by Instituto Cervantes de Tokio on Flickr
Empanadas in Honduras are known as “pastelitos” and they’re usually baked rather than fried. The dough is similar to Argentinian empanadas because it’s also made with wheat flour, making the empanadas resemble a pastry. The traditional fillings are meat and beans with cheese, so they’re quite hearty and delicious. Usually, they’re served with the Honduran version of pico de gallo, which is known as “chimol,” and it’s a must with every bite.
Empanadas from Mexico
When people think about Mexican food, tacos or burritos are the first things that may come to mind. However, they also have empanadas, and they’re crazy good! In Mexico, you can find both wheat flour and corn flour empanadas, so there’s a good variety to enjoy. The fillings often include meat, more commonly chorizo, which offers a burst of flavor. However, the simple beans and cheese combination is also very popular, and for good reason.
Empanadas from Puerto Rico
Photo by juantiagues on Flickr
Puerto Ricans don’t joke about their food, let alone their empanadas. Also known as “pastelillos” or “empanadillas,” Puerto Rican empanadas are known for their flaky texture and flavorful fillings, which are usually savory. In Puerto Rico, empanadas are made with pastry dough, so they’re also made with wheat flour. The dough is usually on the thin side, making these empanadas super crispy. The most common filling is ground beef with potatoes, but you can also find chicken and seafood fillings. Also, Puerto Rican empanadas are accompanied by a simple mayo-ketchup dip, which is the cherry on top. They’re a staple food bite at parties!
Empanadas from El Salvador
In El Salvador, empanadas are usually consumed as snacks or desserts because they’re both savory and sweet. Mostly sweet! They’re completely different from the other empanadas we’ve discussed so far because the dough is made of mashed sweet plantains and they’re usually coated with white sugar as well. The filling is usually refried beans, which helps balance out the sweetness. However, you can also find Salvadorian empanadas with milk filling, which is a soft cream made with milk, cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon.
Empanadas from Peru
In Peru, empanadas are also quite different from the others we’ve explored here. The main difference is the dough, which is very similar to pizza dough. That makes the texture more similar to bread. They’re usually baked and on the thin side. The stars of the Peruvian empanadas are the fillings, though, which are very flavorful. The most typical filling is beef seasoned with ají panca, green olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The chili pepper adds mild spiciness and a nice smoky flavor, which adds complexity to the flavors.
Empanadas from Cuba
Cuban empanadas are not too different from Puerto Rican empanadas because they also use pastry dough. In Cuba, empanadas are flaky, crispy, and thin. As for fillings, they can be sweet or savory. Savory fillings usually involve ground beef and green olives, while sweet fillings combine cream cheese and guava paste. Whether you go for the sweet or the savory, Cuban empanadas offer a burst of flavor and it’s nearly impossible to have just one.
Empanadas from Chile
Photo by mabel flores on Flickr
Last but not least, we have Chilean empanadas, which are made with wheat flour and baked rather than fried. They tend to be sweet and savory, with the traditional filling consisting of ground beef or pork, black olives, and raisins. Sometimes, hard-boiled eggs enter the chat as well. Chilean empanadas are not for everyone because not everyone vibes with raisins, but if you do, this is a flavor combination you should definitely try.
There’s no denying that Latin American empanadas are amazing and the more varieties you try, the more you’ll fall in love with them!
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Cheers, friends! It’s National Beer Day, so what better excuse to explore the exciting world of Latin American beer? From the beaches of Brazil to the Andes mountains, Latin America’s diversity of culture and tradition is reflected by the diverse range of beer available, each with a unique flavor and fizz. Every bottle of Latin American beer is its own experience, so don’t hesitate to try as many as you can. Drink responsibly, though, and don’t drunk text your ex!
Here are the 10 most popular Latino beers:
Modelo Especial from Mexico
Photo by Stock Catalog on Flickr
Modelo Especial is quite a cultural phenomenon in Mexico. It will transport you to a bustling cantina in the heart of Mexico City, surrounded by lively conversations and the smells of street food. Having a cold Modelo Especial is an easy way to give your mood a boost. It will refresh you from head to toe with its smooth, balanced taste, and hit the spot with its crispness. It’s a light beer, so whether you’re unwinding from a long day at home or just want a taste of Mexico, Modelo Especial is the signature go-to.
Polar from Venezuela
Photo by Ignacio Sanz on Flickr
In Venezuela, Polar is the beer brand that rules above all others; synonymous with good times. Polar has earned its reputation as the ultimate thirst-quencher that also has a few options you can explore. Polar Light is the light beer version, so it’s the most refreshing. However, if you want to feel a little buzz and enjoy more flavor, the regular Polar, known as “Negra” due to its dark bottle, is a nice Pilsner beer anyone can get behind.
Quilmes from Argentina
Argentina is known for many things - tango, steak, and of course, Quilmes beer. Quilmes is brewed with pure spring water and locally sourced ingredients, so it has a clean, crisp flavor. It’s as refreshing as swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and it will go perfectly with barbecue or traditional asado. Whether you’re enjoying it at home alone or sharing it with friends, Quilmes offers a nice drinking experience.
Cordillera from Bolivia
Bolivia is a land of contrasts and the Cordillera beer is one of the best examples of the country’s rich brewing tradition. The taste of Cordillera beer is not like anything you’ve ever tried, so you just have to see for yourself. It’s known for its complex flavor and richness because it’s made with the best barley and contains no chemical additives. It’s very pure and it provides a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Bolivia.
Brahma from Brazil
Brahma beer is iconic in Brazil, so it doesn’t get more authentic than this. Brewed since 1888, this Latino beer has a long, rich history, and you can almost taste its long tradition. It has a smooth flavor with a crisp finish, so it’s the perfect beer to take to the beach as a refreshment. It’s also great for a night out because it will keep you fresh and give you a nice buzz. Oh, and if you’re curious about other Brazilian drinks, the Caipirinha is a good cocktail to explore.
Kross 5 from Chile
The Kross 5 beer is one of the most popular brands in Chile and it’s all due to its bold flavor. If you like your beer to have some complexity to it, you’ll enjoy this American Strong Ale type of beer. It has hints of oak and spice because it’s matured with roasted American oak, so it’s a vibrant, aromatic drink. It’s one of the most interesting beers in Latin America, down to the design of the bottle.
Chapinero Porter from Colombia
Colombia is known for its coffee, beautiful beaches and landscapes, and delicious food. It’s also known for the classic Chapinero Porter, which is the go-to beer option for Colombians. It has a bold and robust taste with notes of coffee and chocolate that linger on your tongue. Doesn’t that sound delicious? It offers a true taste of Colombia and you’ll enjoy every sip!
Imperial from Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers more than just natural beauty! It also offers good booze and the Imperial beer is a great example of that. The taste is crisp and refreshing, with hints of citrus and tropical fruit, so it’s another interesting option. This beer is brewed with spring water and local ingredients, which means you’ll be getting an authentic taste of Costa Rica.
Presidente from the Dominican Republic
Presidente beer is one of the favorites in the Dominican Republic and for good reason. It has a crisp, fruity, subtly sweet flavor, making it perfect for people who don’t enjoy the usual bitterness of beer. This is a Pilsner type of beer and it’s made with high-quality raw materials, so the taste is as delicious as it gets. It’s also a light option and it’s usually not expensive.
Gallo from Guatemala
Last but not least, we have Guatemala’s Gallo beer, which can become a quick obsession. This beer is subtly bitter with hints of citrus flavors. However, don’t expect this one to pack a punch. It’s nice and light, so it doesn’t offer much complexity, but it will refresh you on a hot summer day. Gallo beer is a great way to get a taste of Guatemala, so share it with friends and make a night out of it.
Millions of people around the world love a good cup of coffee. That’s not just because of the flavor or the customization options, but also because of how stimulating it is. Tea, you don’t even come close! However, and sorry to burst your bubble here, there is such a thing as drinking too much coffee. You may not even realize the effects, but they’re there and they may be disrupting your life a little. To help you out, here are 10 signs that you’re drinking way too much coffee and it’s time to reel it back:
You’re restless and even a little jittery
Photo by Max Harlynking on UnsplashSo you’ve just had a huge cup of morning coffee or your third cup of the day and you start to feel like there’s an itch you can’t scratch or you’re agitated about something, but you have no idea what. It’s too much caffeine, that’s what! It never fails to lead to nervousness, an inability to be still, fidgeting, or pacing, and even anxiety or panic attacks. If this is relatable, it could be time to take a step back, assess how much coffee you’re having every day, and start reeling it back a bit.
Your sleep quality is down the drain
Photo by Debashis RC Biswas on UnsplashOne of the most common side effects of consuming too much coffee is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which means your sleep quality goes out the window. Caffeine is a stimulant that can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, so if you’re having insomnia and restless nights, consider cutting off your caffeine consumption 6 to 8 hours before your bedtime. If you miss coffee too much in the afternoon, decaf is a thing!
You’re having heart palpitations
Drinking excessive amounts of coffee can cause your heart to beat faster and irregularly, which is known as heart palpitations. So if you notice your heart racing or fluttering after drinking coffee, and there’s no other reason for it (say, stumbling upon a clip of Pedro Pascal winking directly at the camera), it may be time to cut back on your caffeine intake.
Stomach issues are a part of your personality
You know how they say that “hot girls have tummy issues”? Well, it could be because of your obsession with coffee. Coffee is known to stimulate the digestive system, but consuming too much can lead to a variety of issues. Including acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach discomfort. If you often have stomach issues and they usually flare up after you’ve had your coffee, it could be a sign that you’re overdoing it.
You can’t function without it
One thing about caffeine is that you can develop a dependency on it if you don’t watch yourself. Coffee is a pleasant little pick-me-up, but if you’ve crossed the line to “I can’t function without it and my head hurts if I don’t have my coffee,” it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with it. There’s no need for a breakup, but consider building healthier habits around coffee.
Your mood is all over the place
While coffee can initially improve your mood and make your mind feel as sharp as a knife for a while, consuming too much can have the opposite effect, leading to irritability, mood swings, and even depression in some cases. Our mood is already so unpredictable, why add fuel to the fire? Assess yourself and if you see a link between mood shifts and coffee, start reducing your caffeine consumption.
You take frequent trips to the bathroom
Photo by Yena Kwon on UnsplashCoffee is a diuretic, which means it increases the production of urine, making you go to the bathroom a whole lot. This is why consuming too much coffee can make you feel dehydrated, so balance is important. Coffee is delicious, but you also have to remember to keep your caffeine intake at a healthy level and drink your water.
You experience muscle tremors
Excessive caffeine intake can cause muscle tremors or twitching, especially if you’re sensitive. So if you notice involuntary muscle movements after drinking coffee, like eye twitches or shaky hands, it could be a sign that you need to cut back on caffeine. Monitor your intake, which includes keeping an eye on how much tea, sodas, energy drinks, etc., you consume during the day, and find replacements so you can still enjoy a healthy dose of coffee.
You have decreased bone density
Some studies suggest that consuming too much caffeine can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. If bone health is a concern for you, controlling your caffeine intake is a must and it’s something you should discuss with your doctor. They can tell you how much caffeine is advisable for you and you can make better lifestyle choices based on that.
You get headaches often
When you become dependent on caffeine, headaches are one of the first signs of withdrawal. If you notice that you always get a headache when you stop drinking caffeine for the day, it might be time to gradually reduce your intake. Usually, 400mg of caffeine per day is ideal for most adults, but everyone’s sensitivity level is different so you’ll have to gauge yours.
None of this means you can’t enjoy coffee; it just means you have to do so in moderation!
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