If you’re looking for a snack that’s both savory and satisfying, these Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (or Empadinhas) are a total game-changer. These little pies are packed with a flavorful filling made from tender hearts of palm, mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped up in a flaky, golden pastry crust. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a picnic, or a cozy evening at home, these hand pies are the perfect finger food that’s sure to leave everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you won’t be able to stop. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (Empadinhas)
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a snack, these hand pies bring joy with every bite. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: You can serve them as appetizers, a snack, or even a light lunch. They fit right into any meal.
Budget-Friendly: Hearts of palm are affordable, and the other ingredients are basic pantry staples, making it an economical dish to prepare.
Quick and Easy: The dough comes together quickly, and with a short baking time, you’ll have these delicious pies ready in no time.
Customizable: Don’t like hearts of palm? You can easily swap it for chicken, cheese, or vegetables—get creative with your filling!
Crowd-Pleasing: These hand pies are always a hit, whether at a dinner party, a family gathering, or just a casual snack time. Everyone loves something that’s handheld, crispy, and filled with flavor!
Ingredients in Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (Empadinhas)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hearts of Palm: The star ingredient. These tender and slightly sweet hearts of palm create a wonderful contrast with the savory filling.
Butter: Adds richness to the pastry and helps create that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and a soft, buttery texture.
Eggs: Used in both the filling and the dough, they help bind everything together and add a smooth texture.
Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese in the filling adds a creamy, comforting flavor.
Garlic and Onion: For that savory depth that makes this dish irresistible.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley, black pepper, and a touch of salt bring all the flavors together. You can add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat, too.
Olive Oil: To sauté the filling ingredients and give them a smooth, luscious texture.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, to bring all the flavors together.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering recipe:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your hand pies bake evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and one beaten egg. Mix until you get a smooth, firm dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of cold water to bring it together. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: While the dough chills, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the hearts of palm, and cook for another 3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, stir in the cheese and fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Hand Pies: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut out small circles (about 4 inches in diameter). Place a spoonful of the hearts of palm mixture in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges if you like.
Brush and Bake: Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tops of the pies to give them a golden finish. Place the hand pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the hand pies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm and crisp, straight out of the oven. You’ll want to savor every bite!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 210
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (Empadinhas)
These little hand pies are perfect as a snack on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with a fresh salad or a side of dipping sauce. Try a tangy salsa, a creamy ranch dip, or even a zesty aioli for an extra layer of flavor. They also pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Whatever the occasion, these hand pies will make your meal feel special!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– If you want extra crispy pies, brush the dough with a little olive oil before baking.
– For a richer filling, you can add a spoonful of cream cheese to the hearts of palm mixture.
– Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
– Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Ground meat, cheese, or sautéed mushrooms all work beautifully in this hand pie recipe.
– If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried herbs can be used, but fresh adds a brighter flavor.
– If you don’t have hearts of palm, artichoke hearts or mushrooms are great substitutes!
FAQs
1. Can I make these hand pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them, refrigerate, and bake them when you’re ready. They also freeze well, so you can store them for later.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made puff pastry or pie crust can work as a quick shortcut.
3. Can I use a different filling?
Definitely! You can swap out the hearts of palm for chicken, beef, or even vegetables like spinach and cheese.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. The texture might change a bit, but they will still taste delicious!
5. How do I store leftover hand pies?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to crisp them up again.
6. Can I freeze these hand pies?
Yes! Once assembled, freeze the unbaked pies. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
7. How long do they take to bake?
About 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy on top.
8. What can I serve these with?
They pair perfectly with a fresh salad or a dip like aioli or salsa. You can even serve them with a side of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
9. Can I add more cheese to the filling?
Of course! Add as much cheese as you’d like for a richer, creamier filling.
10. How do I prevent the dough from getting too tough?
Don’t overwork the dough. Mix it just until it comes together, and make sure to chill it before rolling out.
Conclusion
These Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (Empadinhas) are a perfect bite-sized delight with a crispy, golden crust and a savory, flavorful filling. They’re the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special without all the effort. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to something delicious, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Print
Hearts of Palm Hand Pies (Empadinhas)
- Prep Time: 1hr
- Cook Time: 35min
- Total Time: 1hr35min
- Yield: 12pies
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Empadinhas de Palmito are classic Brazilian savory hand pies filled with a creamy hearts of palm mixture encased in a buttery, flaky crust. These delightful mini pies are popular at parties and gatherings, offering a perfect balance of rich filling and tender pastry.
Ingredients
**For the Dough:**
– 2 cups (100g) all-purpose flour, sifted
– 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and diced
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon cold water (as needed)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
**For the Filling:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 2 cups hearts of palm, chopped
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
– In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt.
– Add the cold, diced butter and mix with your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
– Add the egg yolk and mix until the dough starts to come together. If necessary, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until a smooth dough forms.
– Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Filling:**
– In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
– Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
– Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
– Add the chopped hearts of palm and cook for a few minutes.
– Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well to combine.
– Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
– Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
3. **Assemble the Hand Pies:**
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
– On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
– Cut out circles large enough to fit into muffin tins, reserving some dough for the tops.
– Press the dough circles into the muffin tin cups.
– Fill each cup with the cooled hearts of palm mixture.
– Cover each pie with a smaller dough circle, sealing the edges by pressing them together.
– Brush the tops with beaten egg.
4. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown.
– Allow to cool slightly before removing from the muffin tins.
Notes
– These hand pies can be served warm or at room temperature.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– To reheat, bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.
– You can freeze the unbaked assembled pies and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1pie
- Calories: 220kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg