Irresistible Hearts of Palm Pie (Empadão): A Brazilian Favorite

When it comes to culinary delights, the Brazilian hearts of palm pie—or Empadão de Palmito—holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. This recipe combines a buttery, flaky crust with a creamy, flavorful filling packed with fresh vegetables. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in every bite!

Ingredients for your Hearts of Palm Pie:

For the crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2/3 cup (approx. 150g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Plain Greek yogurt (approx. 3.5 oz / 100g)

For the filling:

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 small carrot, finely diced
• 1/2 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, seeded and diced
• 1 jar (approx. 14 oz) hearts of palm, sliced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 10 green olives, sliced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch of paprika
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (like Philadelphia or Catupiry style)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and work them into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the beaten egg and mix.
   • Gradually add the yogurt until the dough comes together into a smooth ball. Be careful not to add too much; you want it just moist enough to hold together.
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent.
   • Add the carrot, bell pepper, garlic, and tomato. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Stir in the hearts of palm, peas, and olives. Sauté for a few more minutes.
   • Stir in the cream cheese, milk, and mozzarella. Mix until you have a creamy, cohesive filling.
   • Let the filling cool completely before assembling the pie.
3. Assembly:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
   • Roll out 3/4 of the dough and line your baking dish or pie pan.
   • Pour the cooled filling into the crust.
   • Roll out the remaining dough to create a lid and cover the pie, sealing the edges.
   • Brush the top with an egg wash (one beaten yolk).
   • Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.

Pro-tips for the perfect pie:

For an even more flavorful pie, feel free to experiment with different fillings. This recipe is incredibly versatile and works beautifully with shredded chicken, spinach, or broccoli with bacon. Personalize it to your liking!

Quality ingredients make a huge difference. Using high-quality hearts of palm and fresh, seasonal vegetables will elevate the flavor. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated to save time.

A crucial step: always ensure your filling is completely cooled before adding it to the crust. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy. Serve your Empadão with a crisp green salad for a perfectly balanced meal.

Prep Time:

• Dough preparation: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Filling preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 35-40 minutes

Yield:

Serves 6 to 8 generous portions.