Empanada de Viento
Empanada de Viento, which translates to 'wind empanada,' is a beloved Ecuadorian street food pastry known for its light, airy texture that puffs up like a balloon when fried. Unlike its savory counterparts, this empanada is typically filled with a sweet, creamy cheese (often a mild, fresh variety like mozzarella or a local equivalent) and is frequently dusted with powdered sugar. It is a popular snack and dessert found throughout Ecuador, often enjoyed with coffee or as a sweet treat.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the flour dough and fat from the frying oil, with a moderate amount of protein from the cheese filling. A single empanada de viento can range from 250 to 400 calories, depending on its size and the amount of oil absorbed during cooking.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Potassium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 80 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.1 mg |
| Folate | 35 µg |
Per 1 piece (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'de viento' (of wind) is a playful nod to the empanada's unique characteristic of puffing up into a hollow, airy pocket during frying, which is achieved by a specific dough preparation and cooking technique. It's a fascinating example of how a simple, inexpensive street food can become a cultural icon, representing the ingenuity and sweet tooth of Ecuadorian cuisine.
