Food & Drink
Traditional Mallorcan Easter Delights -
Empanadas
BY MAR PIRIS
As Easter approaches in Mallorca, families across the island eagerly anticipate the arrival of a beloved culinary tradition: Empanadas. These savoury pastries, deeply rooted in Mallorcan culture, hold a special place on the Easter table, delighting taste buds with their flaky crusts and flavourful fillings. Empanadas are a quintessential Easter pastry in Mallorca, crafted from unleavened dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, ranging from succulent lamb and pork to delicate fish. Each family has its own cherished recipe, passed down through generations and adapted to suit personal tastes and preferences. This the Piris Gual's Family (my family) traditional recipe, which traces back to the towns of Santa Margarita and Ciutadella, Menorca.
Ingredients (for 45 units of Empanadas):
2 Kilos of Flour
¼ of lard
2 egg yolks
1 Cup of virgin olive oil
1 ½ Glass of Orange Juice
Filling (for 45 units of Empanadas):
2 Legs of lamb boned and cut into small pieces
1 kilo of fresh peas, previously poached
4 spring onions
1 Tablespoon of Tap de Cortí paprika
Salt and pepper
3 Pieces of Sobrassada (can be spicy)
Method:
Preparation: To begin making Mallorcan Easter empanadas, you'll need a traditional utensil called a ribell, commonly found in local markets like the Sineu market, held every Wednesday.
In the ribell, mound the flour and make a well in the center to add the lard, egg yolks, olive oil, and orange juice. Mix by hand until the dough becomes smooth and emulsified, then begin kneading. Knead the dough with your fists, folding it from top to bottom until it’s soft and easy to handle, which should take around 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the flavorful filling by marinating the lamb and peas with a medley of spices and aromatics. As the dough takes shape, it is divided and formed into small bowls, ready to be filled with the tantalizing lamb and pea mixture, accented by the rich flavors of Sobrassada.
Once the empanadas are assembled, they are baked to golden perfection in a preheated oven at 200°C for 30 minutes, allowing the savoury aromas to fill the kitchen and signalling that the Easter feast is soon to begin.
As the Mallorcan Easter Empanadas emerge from the oven, their golden crusts beckon with promises of culinary delight. With each bite, families and friends come together to celebrate the joyous spirit of Easter, savoring the flavors of tradition and the warmth of shared memories.
In Mallorca, Easter is not just a time for religious observance but also a celebration of community, culture, and culinary heritage. And with every bite of these delectable empanadas, one can taste the essence of Mallorcan tradition, lovingly crafted and passed down through generations.
