Empadão facts for kids
Empadão is a super yummy and traditional dish from Portugal, and it's also really popular in Brazil! Think of it like a delicious, savory pie or a casserole that's baked in the oven. It's often made with layers of creamy mashed potatoes, but sometimes it uses rice, bread, or even a pastry crust.
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What is Empadão?
Empadão is a comforting dish that's baked until golden brown. It's a bit like the Shepherd's pie you might know, but with a special Portuguese and Brazilian twist! The most common way to make it is with a tasty meat filling covered with a fluffy mashed potato topping.
What's Inside an Empadão?
Empadão can have all sorts of tasty fillings! Here are some popular ones:
- Meats: You can find it with red meat (like ground beef), chicken, or even tuna.
- Fish: Codfish is another favorite, especially in Portugal.
- Seafood: Sometimes, you'll find delicious seafood mixed in.
These fillings are usually placed between layers of:
- Mashed potatoes (the most traditional way!)
- Rice
- Bread
- Or even inside a wheat flour crust, like a big savory pie.
How is the Filling Made?
The filling for Empadão often starts with a special mix called a refogado. This is like a cooked base made from onion and garlic that are gently fried. Then, the main ingredient, like ground meat or codfish, is added.
Other yummy ingredients that can be mixed into the filling include:
- Tomato
- Mushrooms
- Sweet corn
- Green peas
- And sometimes, a creamy cheese called requeijão, which makes the filling extra rich.
Different Kinds of Empadão
While the meat and mashed potato version is the most famous, there are other ways to make Empadão too! For example, one recipe uses only pão ralado (which means ground breadcrumbs) and eggs as the filling. This version is then baked in the oven, almost like a savory pudding.
Toppings for Empadão
Once the Empadão is baked, people often add olives on top for extra flavor and a nice look.
