Empanadas de Plátano
Empanadas de Plátano (Plantain Empanadas) is a classic Latin American dish made with ripe plantains instead of flour or cornmeal.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe but firm plantains (plátano macho), ends trimmed and cut in half
- Water , enough to boil the plantains
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-2 tablespoons flour , optional (only if the mash is too soft)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup refried beans
- Neutral oil , for frying and lightly oiling hands (I like using peanut oil)
For Serving
- Mexican crema or sour cream
Instructions
- Wash the plantains, trim both ends, and cut them in half.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Add the plantains with the peel on and boil for 15 minutes, or until the peels split open. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Peel the plantains and mash them with a fork until smooth. Add the sugar and butter and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, a little at a time, until the mash is firm, smooth, and easy to handle.
- Lightly oil your hands. Divide the dough into 50-gram portions and roll into balls. Place each ball between two pieces of plastic and press into a thick tortilla.
- Add 1 teaspoon of refried beans to the center, fold to form an empanada, and seal the edges. If the dough feels too soft, lightly dust both sides with flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the empanadas until golden on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with crema.
Notes
Storage: Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven until warm and crisp.
Make Ahead: You can boil and mash the plantains up to 1 day in advance. Store the mash covered in the refrigerator, then shape, fill, and fry the empanadas just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Empanadas de Plátano
Amount per Serving
Calories
600
% Daily Value*
Fat
2
g
3
%
Saturated Fat
0.3
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1
g
Cholesterol
2
mg
1
%
Sodium
1011
mg
44
%
Potassium
1772
mg
51
%
Carbohydrates
146
g
49
%
Fiber
11
g
46
%
Sugar
78
g
87
%
Protein
11
g
22
%
Vitamin A
4170
IU
83
%
Vitamin C
66
mg
80
%
Calcium
69
mg
7
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
