Vegetarian Empanadas

Vegetarian Empanadas Recipe from Argentina with Pinto Beans and Brown Rice

Region / culture: Argentina | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetarian empanadas are a delicious and savory dish that originated in Latin America. These hand-held pastries are filled with a flavorful mixture of beans, rice, cheese, and spices, making them a perfect option for a meatless meal.

History

Empanadas have a long history dating back to medieval Spain, where they were originally made with meat fillings. As Spanish colonizers traveled to Latin America, they brought this culinary tradition with them, and empanadas quickly became a popular dish throughout the region. Over time, variations of empanadas with vegetarian fillings, such as beans and rice, have emerged to cater to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz or 425 g) of Mexican-style pinto beans
3 cups of cooked brown rice
1 cup (4 oz or 113 g) of grated cheddar cheese
0.5 cup of salsa
2 tbsp of raisins
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp of ground cumin
3 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough
3 cups of hot cooked rice
1 tsp of oregano
1 tsp of prepared horseradish
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
1 lb (454 g) of peeled and deveined shrimp
3 cups of hot cooked rice
grated parmesan cheese (optional)
0.5 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of ground white pepper
0.25 tsp of ground nutmeg
1 cup of shredded swiss cheese, divided
0.25 cup of dry white wine
0.25 tsp of ground white pepper

How to prepare

Combine beans, rice, cheese, salsa, raisins, cinnamon, and cumin.
Separate crescent roll dough along perforated lines into rectangles. Press and seal triangle perforations. Spoon 0.33 cup of the mixture on the top half of the dough rectangles. Fold the dough over the mixture, roll the edges, and crimp with a fork to seal. Bake at 400°F (204°C) on an ungreased baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Variations

Substitute the beans with lentils or chickpeas for a different flavor and texture.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or corn to the filling for extra nutrients.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the empanadas tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste preferences.

- For a crispy crust, brush the empanadas with egg wash before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve vegetarian empanadas with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the empanadas in the oven for a crispy and golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

- Replace the crescent roll dough with homemade or store-bought pie crust for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for the empanadas ahead of time and assemble them just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the empanadas on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese for an attractive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve vegetarian empanadas with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of vegetarian empanadas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of vegetarian empanadas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of vegetarian empanadas contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of vegetarian empanadas contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetarian empanadas are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (crescent roll dough).

Summary

Vegetarian empanadas are a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vegetarian empanadas are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a meatless meal. With a delicious filling of beans, rice, cheese, and spices, these hand-held pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course for a tasty and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered this recipe for Vegetarian Empanadas. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook and always had a new dish to share with me. On this particular day, she was making empanadas filled with a delicious vegetarian mixture.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Maria smiled and handed me a handwritten card with the instructions. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn how to make this mouthwatering dish.

I began making the empanadas regularly, experimenting with different fillings and perfecting the technique. Over time, my friends and family fell in love with these savory pastries, and they became a staple at gatherings and celebrations.

One day, while visiting my cousin Isabella in her quaint little town, she mentioned that she had a secret ingredient that would take my empanadas to the next level. Intrigued, I asked her to share her secret. Isabella pulled out a small jar of homemade chimichurri sauce and explained that adding a dollop of this tangy, herb-infused sauce to the filling would elevate the flavors of the empanadas.

I tried Isabella's suggestion and was blown away by how the chimichurri sauce transformed the empanadas into a burst of savory goodness. From that day on, I never made empanadas without adding a spoonful of this magical sauce to the filling.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe for Vegetarian Empanadas, incorporating tips and tricks from friends, family, and even cookbook authors. Each time I made a batch of these savory pastries, I felt a sense of pride and joy in sharing my culinary creations with loved ones.

One day, while browsing through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a recipe for empanadas that dated back to the early 1900s. The recipe called for a simple dough made with flour, water, and lard, filled with a mixture of minced vegetables and spices.

Inspired by the traditional recipe, I decided to put my own twist on it by using a flaky, buttery pastry dough and a hearty filling of sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and corn. I added a touch of cumin, paprika, and fresh cilantro to the filling, giving it a vibrant and flavorful kick.

The aroma of the empanadas baking in the oven filled my kitchen with a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water. When they emerged golden brown and piping hot, I knew I had created something truly special.

I served the empanadas to my family and friends, who devoured them with gusto and showered me with compliments. They marveled at the flaky crust, the savory filling, and the burst of flavor from the chimichurri sauce. I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that my culinary creations brought joy and delight to those I loved.

Over the years, I continued to make Vegetarian Empanadas, refining the recipe and adding new ingredients to keep things exciting. Whether it was a casual gathering with friends or a special holiday celebration, my empanadas always stole the show and left everyone craving for more.

As I look back on my culinary journey, I am grateful for the friends, family, and cookbooks that have inspired me along the way. Each recipe I have learned and perfected holds a special place in my heart, but there is something truly magical about the Vegetarian Empanadas that will always have a special place in my kitchen and in my memories.