Spiced Plantain Empanadas
Crispy, golden empanadas filled with sweet plantain and spices, perfect as a savory-sweet snack or appetizer. This caribbean-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs ripe, peeled, and mashed plantains, olive oil, cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe, peeled, and mashed plantains
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup, melted salted butter
- as needed flour for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix the mashed plantains with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the eggs and melted butter until well combined. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a disc, then spoon 2 tbsp of the plantain mixture onto the center.
- Step 4: Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal. Dust with flour and place on a baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Plantain Empanadas take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spiced Plantain Empanadas?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Plantain Empanadas?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spiced Plantain Empanadas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spiced Plantain Empanadas?
Caribbean pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
- ★☆☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
