By Vagabond Wineguy
Mabuhay, Angeles City,Pampanga and Happy National Empanada Day! Today, April 8th, 2025, we’re not just enjoying a tasty treat; we’re biting into centuries of culinary history! From its ancient origins to its cherished place in Filipino cuisine, the empanada has embarked on an incredible journey, and today, we celebrate its delicious arrival on our plates right here in Puerto Princesa.
A Taste of Ancient History (100 BC): The Earliest Bites
Believe it or not, the concept of wrapping fillings in dough dates back thousands of years. Evidence suggests that early forms of filled pastries existed as far back as Ancient Persia around 100 BC. These weren’t exactly the empanadas we know and love today, but they laid the groundwork for portable, flavorful meals encased in bread. Think of them as the distant ancestors of our beloved empanada!
The Moorish Influence in Iberia (711 AD): The Empanada Takes Shape
Fast forward to the 8th century AD, during the Moorish invasions of the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). It’s here that the empanada truly began to take a recognizable form. The Moors introduced various culinary techniques and ingredients, and historians widely credit them with popularizing the idea of savory fillings baked within a bread or pastry crust. This “enbreaded” creation was practical for travelers and soldiers – a self-contained, flavorful meal on the go.
The First Written Recipe (1520): A Culinary Milestone
Our first concrete evidence of a recipe specifically for empanadas appears in a Spanish cookbook published in Catalan in 1520. This marks a significant milestone, solidifying the empanada as a recognized dish within Iberian cuisine. These early empanadas often featured seafood fillings, reflecting the coastal regions of Spain and Portugal.
Across the Atlantic (16th Century): The Empanada Goes Global
With the Spanish voyages of exploration in the 16th century, the empanada embarked on a global adventure. Spanish colonizers brought their culinary traditions to the Americas, where the empanada was readily adopted and adapted by local cultures. In Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Belize (where they’re called “panades”), and countless other Latin American countries, the empanada evolved with new fillings and regional twists.
The Empanada Finds a Home in the Philippines:
The Spanish influence also extended to the Philippines, and the empanada found fertile ground in Filipino culinary traditions. Over time, the Filipino empanada developed its own distinct characteristics, with popular fillings including savory meat (beef, pork, chicken), potatoes, vegetables, and even sweet variations. Regional specialties emerged, showcasing the diverse flavors of the archipelago.
National Empanada Day in Angeles City, Pampanga: A Celebration of Flavor and History!
And that brings us to today, April 8th, 2025 – National Empanada Day! Here in Angeles City, Pampanga, we have our own vibrant empanada culture. Whether you prefer the flaky crust of a baked empanada or the satisfying crunch of a fried one, filled with savory meat, sweet potatoes, or perhaps a local specialty, today is the perfect day to indulge.
How to Celebrate National Empanada Day in Angeles City:
- Support Local Panaderias and Carinderias: Seek out your favorite local bakeries and eateries. Many will likely have special empanada offerings today.
- Try a Filipino Empanada Variety: Explore the different fillings and styles popular in the Philippines. You might discover a new favorite!
- Share Your Empanada Love: Post photos of your delicious empanada finds on social media using the hashtags #NationalEmpanadaDay and #PuertoPrincesaEats.
- Make Your Own: If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at making empanadas at home! There are countless recipes online, reflecting the global diversity of this pastry.
A Delicious Legacy:
The empanada is more than just a tasty snack; it’s a testament to the movement of people, ingredients, and culinary ideas across the globe. From its humble beginnings in ancient times to its delicious presence in Angeles City, Pampanga today, the empanada has truly stood the test of time.
So, go forth and enjoy an empanada today! Celebrate its rich history and the delicious flavors that have made it a beloved food around the world, and right here in our beautiful city.
Happy National Empanada Day, Puerto Princesa! What’s your favorite empanada filling? Share in the comments below!
