Galician Tuna Pie: How to Make the Perfect Empanada
Empanada Gallega is a traditional Spanish savory pie that hails from the region of Galicia. It typically features a flaky pastry crust filled with a mixture of ingredients like tuna, bell peppers, onions, and hard-boiled eggs. Here's a recipe to make Empanada Gallega:
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Cold water
- 1 cup Olive oil
For the Filling:
- 2 cans Tuna in olive oil drained (about 12 ounces each)
- 2 Large onions finely chopped
- 2 Red bell peppers finely chopped
- 2 Hard-boiled eggs chopped
- ½ cup Green olives pitted ans chopped
- ¼ cup Capers drained
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tsp Sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.Gradually add the cold water and olive oil, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough comes together.Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth.Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.Stir in the tuna, olives, capers, and paprika. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste.Remove the skillet from the heat, and let the filling cool to room temperature.Once cooled, stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and fresh parsley.
- Assemble the Empanada:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Divide the dough into two portions, one slightly larger than the other.Roll out the larger portion of dough on a floured surface to fit the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place it in the dish, making sure it covers the bottom and extends up the sides.
- Add the Filling:Spread the cooled filling evenly over the dough in the baking dish.
- Cover with the Top Dough:Roll out the smaller portion of dough to cover the filling in the baking dish.Press the edges of the top and bottom dough together to seal the empanada.
- Bake:Use a sharp knife to make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Serve:Let the Empanada Gallega cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Empanada Gallega is a versatile dish, and you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.