A flour-based dough (rather than maize or corn) is used to make traditional Argentine empanadas. This variety means there's an empanada for everyone! Ground beef, cubed beef, chicken, ham and cheese, ham and onion, spinach, and humita are some of the most common types of fillings.

Origins. The origin of empanadas is unknown, but they are thought to have originated in Galicia, a region in northwest Spain.

Mid Morning Snack: Empanadas The culinary highlight of the day comes between 9 and 10 am. This is when a lot of locals will head out for an empanada. These are delicious little meat filled pastries which are brilliant at getting you through until lunchtime.

Empanadas have their origins in Galicia (Spain) and Portugal. They first appeared in Medieval Iberia during the time of the Moorish invasions. A cookbook published in Catalan in 1520 mentions empanadas filled with seafood among its recipes of Catalan, Italian, French, and Arabian food.