Empanadas: A Bite of History with Global Appeal

mpanadas, those savory pockets of flavor, are enjoyed worldwide. But where did this culinary delight originate?

Journey back to Medieval Iberia, over 1,200 years ago, when the Moors brought their culinary traditions, including filled pastries, to the Iberian Peninsula. A 13th-century cookbook from Islamic Spain even mentions a similar dish called sanbusak.

Over time, empanadas evolved, each region adding its unique touch. With Spanish colonization, they crossed the Atlantic, landing in the Americas and eventually becoming a staple in countries like Argentina.

Why Argentinian Empanadas Stand Out:

Argentina boasts the world's second-largest population of Italian descendants, and their influence is evident in the country's cuisine. Argentinian empanadas are renowned for their flaky white flour crusts and unique fillings, often featuring South American seasonings, egg whites, and green olives. This sets them apart from other styles, like Mexican empanadas, which often use corn-based crusts and cheese which results in a heavier eating experience.  

Empanadas and Today's Foodies:

Empanadas are experiencing a surge in popularity in the USA, capturing the attention of Gen Z and Millennials. These generations value:

• Authenticity: They seek out brands that align with their values, appreciating genuine culinary experiences
• Adventure: They're open to exploring diverse flavors and cuisines, making empanadas a perfect fit
• Convenience: Empanadas are portable and easy to eat, ideal for busy lifestyles

Why Empanadas are Trending:

• Growing Latin influence introduces more people to empanadas
• Versatility allows for endless flavor combinations
• Increased visibility in restaurants, food trucks, and media fuels their popularity

Celebrate Empanada Day!

Join us in celebrating National Empanada Day on April 8th!

Abruzzi Brand - Soul Padas™ Empanadas: Delivering Authentic Argentine Flavor

Soul Padas™ is our empanada brand and we have one goal top of mind; to bring the heart and soul of authentic empanda cultures to you and your customers.  While we started with the very popular Argentinian Style, please follow us for the next delicious profile.

We currently offer three popular flavors (delivered frozen): Argentine Beef, Argentine Chicken, and Apple Manzana. Our empanadas are made with a flaky white flour crust, authentic fillings, and are fully cooked for your convenience and just need reheated in an oven.  The apple is loaded with fresh fruit and accented with succulent dulce de’ leche (see below).

Based on high quality ingredients, lean meats and white flour flaky crusts, Soul Padas™ can be a healthy nutritional option for consumers.  For example, here is the panel on our 4oz Argentine Beef Soul Pada™ showing 1 g fat, 6 g protein, 30g and just 210 calories.

Partner with Us

Elevate your menu with Soul Padas™ Empanadas. Contact us for more information or samples.

More than just a tasty treat, empanadas represent a rich culinary history shaped by cultural exchange. So, savor the centuries of tradition baked into every bite!

Where are we a great fit?

• C-stores
• Casual / Sports Dining
• Hospital Dining Services
• Sports Venues
• Colleges

A Taste of Argentina: Chimichurri Sauce

Enhance your empanada experience with this authentic Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce:

Dulce de leche vs. Caramel - The Differences

Abruzzi uses Dulce de leche instead of caramel on our Apple Manzana - although they can seem similar, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart:

Ingredients:

• Dulce de leche: Primarily made from milk and sugar, sometimes with the addition of vanilla or baking soda.
• Caramel: Made from sugar that's been caramelized, then typically combined with butter and cream.

Process:

• Dulce de leche: Created by slowly simmering milk and sugar until the mixture thickens and browns, a process primarily driven by the Maillard reaction (a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars).
• Caramel: Made by melting sugar until it reaches a golden brown color (caramelization), then adding butter and cream to create a sauce.

Flavor and Texture:

• Dulce de leche: Has a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor with notes of cooked milk. It's thicker than caramel, often having a spreadable consistency.
• Caramel: Offers a more intense, buttery, and sometimes slightly bitter flavor from the caramelized sugar. Its texture is typically thinner and more pourable.

Uses:

• Dulce de leche: Often used as a filling for pastries, a topping for desserts, or enjoyed on its own spread on bread or cookies.
• Caramel: Commonly used as a topping for ice cream, a sauce for desserts, or an ingredient in candies and confections.

In a nutshell:

• Dulce de leche is milk-based, while caramel is sugar-based.
• Dulce de leche has a cooked milk flavor, while caramel has a more pronounced caramelized sugar taste.
• Dulce de leche is thicker and creamier, while caramel is thinner and more pourable.

Ultimately, both dulce de leche and caramel are delicious in their own right. The choice between them depends on your personal preference and the specific application.

Apple Manzana w/Dulce de leche