Vegan Empanada Filling with Plantains

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crispy, golden plantain and bell pepper filling for handheld empanadas, seasoned with Caribbean spices. This caribbean-inspired vegan ready in about 25 minutes pairs diced red bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 12 Caribbean cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1 clove minced garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper and 1 tsp cumin, cooking for 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced green plantains and 1/2 tsp paprika, sauté for 8 minutes until plantains are caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 tbsp lime juice, season with salt, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Cool completely before filling empanadas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Empanada Filling with Plantains take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Vegan Empanada Filling with Plantains?

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 diced red bell pepper from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Empanada Filling with Plantains?

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 Vegan Empanada Filling with Plantains 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.

Is Vegan Empanada Filling with Plantains vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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