Skip to main content
Dictionary
Store
Blog
World
Help
Advertise
Chat
System Status
Information Collection Notice
Trademark Concerns
reCAPTCHA Privacy
Terms of Service
reCAPTCHA Terms
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Report a Bug
Data Request
Contact Us
Security
DMCA
© 1999–2026 Urban Dictionary ®
Mugs
Tees
Hoodies
Pro Customization
Create unique products with your own words and definitions
Preview
Personalize Your Design
Your Word
Your Definition
An Empanada de iglesia ("church pattie") is a Colombian Spanish term referring to a pastry which has the same makings as a regular Empanada (a fried corn flour casing filled with mashed potatoes with ground meat, chicken or cheese), but without meat. Typical church patties will be filled with potatoes cooked with tomatoes and onions, or simply be made of just the fried corn flour casing alone. Given that the Catholic Church states that their followers should not eat meat on Fridays, church patties are a common sight on church gatherings in Colombia, as well as at at home for people who closely follow the faith's food mandates, hence the name of the pastries. Church patties are not restricted to Catholics, as it's commonplace in Colombia to refer to meatless patties as such.
Text fits
Save
Cancel