Empanadas are a beloved comfort food with roots in Latin American cuisine, and making veggie empanadas at home can be a fun and delicious adventure. With their crispy, golden-brown exterior and flavorful, wholesome filling, these vegetarian empanadas are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the mouth-watering world of veggie empanadas, highlighting the key ingredients and steps involved in creating these delightful hand pies.
Why Choose Veggie Empanadas?
Veggie empanadas are a fantastic option for vegetarians and those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. They’re also a great way to use up seasonal vegetables and create a nutritious, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal, from lunch to dinner, and even as a snack or party appetizer.
Key Ingredients for Veggie Empanadas
Our veggie empanadas are packed with a flavorful mixture of sweet potatoes, poblano peppers, black beans, onions, and corn. These ingredients not only add a variety of textures and flavors but also ensure that the empanadas are nutritious and filling. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and seasonings that make these empanadas truly special:
Sweet Potatoes: Adds a natural sweetness and hearty texture.
Poblano Peppers: Provides a mild heat and rich flavor.
Black Beans: Adds protein and creaminess.
Onions and Corn: Contribute sweetness and crunch.
Garlic, Tomato Paste, and Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Enhance the overall flavor with depth and a touch of smokiness.
Seasonings: Adobo seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, and ground cumin bring the filling to life with a perfect blend of spices.
Preparing the Filling
Creating the filling for veggie empanadas is straightforward. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the sweet potatoes and poblano peppers, cooking until they begin to soften. Mix in the black beans, corn, tomato paste, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, followed by the seasonings. Cook until everything is well-combined and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Assembling the Empanadas
Using Goya’s frozen empanada wrappers makes the assembly process quick and easy. Simply place a generous spoonful of the filling onto each wrapper, fold them over, and seal the edges tightly using a fork. This ensures that the filling stays inside during frying, resulting in perfectly shaped empanadas.
Frying to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a pan and fry the empanadas until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The crispy exterior contrasts wonderfully with the savory, flavorful filling, creating an irresistible treat.
Enjoying Your Homemade Veggie Empanadas
These homemade veggie empanadas are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad. They’re perfect for a casual family dinner, a picnic, or even a party. Plus, they make excellent leftovers and can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
1 tsp each: smoked paprika, ground cumin, adobe seasonings, salt + pepper and oregano
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
Assembly
Goya frozen empanada wrapper
Oil for frying
Instructions
Veggie Filling
Heat up a skillet on medium heat with some oil. Cook the onions, poblano peppers, sweet potato and corn for 5 mins.
Add the black beans, garlic, tomato paste and adobe peppers along with all the seasonings. Give everything a good mix and lower the heat to med/low and cover with a lid. Cook for additional 5-7 mins or until sweet potatoes are cooked.
Once cooked, set aside to cool and mix in the cilantro.
Assembly
Add 1.5 – 2 tbsp of filling into each wrapper and fold over. Using your fingers pinch the edges and then use a fork to tightly seal the edges.
Heat up oil and fry the empanadas until golden brown. Enjoy!
Just an East/West coast girl living the southern life. I love sharing all my tested and perfected recipes here, along with some travel guides and a little bit of my lifestyle
