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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
