Mouth-watering empanadas de viento in the making!
This article aims to give you a short introduction to one of my favorite side dishes from Ecuador, the famous empanadas de viento, also known as fried cheese turnovers.
When it comes to suggesting some of the traditional dishes as a tourist must-eat while in Ecuador, I definitely include empanadas on the list.
And, although empanadas are a traditional dish that you will find in many countries in South America, including Mexico, we have some special traditional empanadas in each country.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
What are empanadas
You can find empanadas in most Latin American countries, from Mexico in the North to Argentina in the South. Empanadas are often translated as stuffed turnovers or as hand-held pies.
Empanadas are made with different kinds of dough and a wide range of fillings, which will vary depending on the local ingredients available. We eat empanadas on different occasions and enjoy them as snacks, as a meal, if sweet then they are perfect as a party fare or dessert.
What are empanadas de viento
Ecuadorian Empanadas de viento are stuffed turnovers filled with white cheese or queso fresco sealed, and then the edges twirled to give it a nicer shape and prevent the cheese from coming out.
In the end, once they are fried and ready to serve, you sprinkle some sugar on top of the empanada. This is when this warm and this crispy cheese-filled delight is ready to eat!
The minute you take the first bite of this delicious traditional dish, you feel the air in the middle, hence their name: empanadas de viento (air turnovers)
Here is a short video of empanadas de viento in the making, showing how they end up so crispy after they are fried:
Party fare food:
This picture is from a party my parents attended where you can see one of the main side dishes was empanadas de viento.
To celebrate 50 years of graduation from high school, they prepared a full day with many activities, including some traditional food, like some warm empanadas.
Empanadas come in all sizes and have different fillings. As you can see, some are as big as a serving plate, and just one can feed a Norwegian and 4 Ecuadorians!
Where to get empanadas
To truly appreciate the authentic taste of empanadas de viento, one must embark on a culinary odyssey through Ecuador’s vibrant cities and towns
Empanadas de viento are quite popular in Quito. You can order them at restaurants offering traditional food in the highland region of Ecuador.
In addition, street vendors are selling them. From the bustling streets of Quito to the charming coastal towns of Guayaquil and Manta, you will find other kinds of empanadas.
So, if you are looking forward to tasting some of the gastronomy of Ecuador and the Andes, empanadas de Viento should be part of your list.
Do you have any other dishes you love from Ecuador or South America?
Make your own empanadas
There is also the homemade version that 
Gastronomic tours in Quito
Moreover, consider indulging in a gastronomic tour, where you can sample an array of traditional Ecuadorian dishes. Here are a couple of great options:
Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings
A Cultural and Culinary Exploration Walking Tour
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ecuadorian empanadas de viento offer a tantalizing glimpse into the rich tapestry of flavors that define Ecuador’s culinary landscape. Originating from the picturesque coastal regions but now savored across the country, these airy pockets of dough filled with cheese and dusted with powdered sugar are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory.
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