Delicious Spinach Empanadas Recipe You Can’t Resist
Welcome to my kitchen, where I share my passion for Brazilian and American cuisine through my recipes. Today’s recipe is a classic dish loved worldwide – spinach empanadas! These savory turnovers have a buttery crust that encases a flavorful filling of fresh spinach, cheese, and aromatic spices.
An empanada is a traditional Latin American pastry that can be filled with any ingredient imaginable. But today we’re focusing on the luscious goodness of spinach empanadas. They’re surprisingly easy to make and require some basic ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, salt, and pepper!
My spin on this classic dish will impress your taste buds with its savory flavors and inviting aroma. I guarantee you’ll want to make these time and time again after trying just one!
So join me in the kitchen as we take a trip to Argentina via my homemade spinach empanadas recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a recipe that is both delicious and healthy? Look no further than these Spinach Empanadas! You’ll love this recipe because it provides an easy way to incorporate fresh spinach into your meals, which is high in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and vitamin K.
Not only are these empanadas nutritious, but this recipe also promises incredible flavor. The combination of savory spinach, rich cheese, and a perfectly flaky crust creates the ultimate comfort food experience. These empanadas are perfect for any meal of the day and can be paired with a salad or soup for a well-rounded meal.
Additionally, this recipe allows for substitutions and variations to cater to your own flavor preferences. Whether you prefer feta or ricotta cheese, or would like to add ground beef or mushrooms, the options are endless. You can experiment with different fillings until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste.
Lastly, these empanadas are also customizable for specific dietary needs. Whether you are a vegan or vegetarian, there is an option for you – substitute the cheese with vegan alternatives, or replace meat with potatoes for a hearty vegetarian filling.
Overall, these Spinach Empanadas are not only delicious and versatile but also provide a healthy dose of nutrients. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s become a fan-favorite around the world!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients needed to make these delicious Spinach Empanadas:
Basic Dough
- 1 box of pie crust (or see recipe 2)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Cold water
Spinach Filling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
- Optional: ground sirloin
Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 cup spinach thawed and drained (if using frozen spinach)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese or cream cheese
- Optional: feta cheese
These ingredients can also be adjusted based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, this recipe can easily be made vegan or vegetarian by omitting the meat or dairy products, respectively. Additionally, the dough can be substituted with a gluten-free alternative, such as potato empanada dough.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part: making the spinach empanadas. This recipe is both delicious and easy to make, with a filling of fresh spinach, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs that will delight anyone who tries it.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by roughly chopping a large onion and mincing 4 cloves garlic. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick pan and sauté your onions and garlic for about 3 minutes on medium heat until the onions become translucent. Add in 4 cups of fresh spinach and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until it starts to wilt. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.
While this cools, boil two eggs until they are hard-boiled, then peel them and chop them into small pieces.
Step 2: Create the Dough
In a large mixing bowl mix together one packet (1 box) of frozen pie crust, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 egg, and ⅓ cup of cold water. Use your hands to knead the dough together until light but compact.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Next, set up your work area by coating a clean surface with flour so that you can roll out your dough without it sticking. Divide the dough into smaller portions so that it’s easier to handle. Roll each portion out with a rolling pin and cut out circles using a large cookie cutter or circular mold.
Step 4: Fill Your Empanadas
Spoon about one tablespoon of filling (the spinach mixture plus chopped egg) onto each circle. Top that pile with grated cheese (mozzarella or feta are popular choices for spinach empanadas). Be careful not to overstuff your empanadas! Leave enough space around the edges to crimp your pastry together.
Step 5: Seal and Bake
To seal your empanadas, fold the top half of the dough down over the filling towards the bottom to create a half-moon shape. Press around the edges to close them tightly, then use a fork to press along the edges as well. Brush each empanada with an egg wash made from a beaten egg and 1-4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice.
For the baking portion, there are two ways to finish your spinach empanadas: either baking them in a regular oven or frying them in an air fryer. The traditional oven method is 350°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. The air-fryer method is faster and doesn’t require oil sprays or butter. Set your air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
These spinach empanadas are full of flavor and perfect for entertaining guests or as a meal on their
Substitutions and Variations
Part of the fun of cooking is the ability to experiment and make substitutions in recipes to fit your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to try with this spinach empanadas recipe.
– Vegetarian or Vegan Empanadas: To make these empanadas vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute the hard-boiled eggs with diced potatoes or tofu, and use a vegan butter alternative for the crust.
– Spinach and Cheese Empanada: If you want a simple twist on this recipe, try adding an equal amount of shredded mozzarella cheese to the spinach filling. The result will be delicious cheesy spinach empanadas!
– Mushroom and Spinach Empanadas: Another classic filling option is pairing mushrooms and spinach together. You can sauté thinly sliced portobello mushrooms with garlic and olive oil before mixing with the cooked spinach in step 6.
– Beef Empanadas: For a meaty variation, replace ground sirloin for the hard-boiled eggs from the ingredient list. Sauté the beef with onion, garlic and spices such as cumin, paprika, salt and pepper until browned.
– Argentine Spinach Empanadas: Add one small finely chopped onion to a pan with two cloves garlic and one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until translucent. Next add 4 cups of fresh spinach slowly cooking for 3 minutes or until wilted.
– Spinach Feta Empanadas: Instead of ricotta, use crumbled feta cheese in equal amounts for a tangy variation.
– Ricotta Corn Empanadas: For a sweeter twist on this recipe, mix corn kernels with ricotta cheese or make it Mexican-style by adding pickled jalapeños.
With these substitutions and variations, you are sure to create your own spin on this delicious recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Once your spinach empanadas are baked to a perfect golden-brown color, they’re ready to be served and devoured! These savory treats can be an excellent appetizer/snack or can even serve as a light meal when paired with a fresh salad.
While these empanadas are flavorful enough on their own, you can enhance their taste by serving them with various dips and sauces. Some of my favorite options include a classic salsa, guacamole, or even a tangy romesco sauce. The balanced flavors of the dip will not only complement the spinach empanadas but also add a bit of depth to your palate.
Another way to serve these delights is by pairing them with suitable beverages. Whether you prefer beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drinks, there are plenty of options that pair well with these empanadas. You might want to consider serving them with light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir, white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or even flavored sparkling water.
Finally, I would highly recommend garnishing your empanadas with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. This tiny addition adds more color and freshness to the dish, making it even more appetizing.
Overall, you have endless possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing your spinach empanadas. So get creative and experiment with different types of servings and fixings until you find the perfect combination for your taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many great things about these delicious spinach empanadas is that you can make them ahead of time and store them until you’re ready to serve. If you’re planning on making these for a party or gathering, it’s a good idea to prepare them a day or two before the event. Just follow the recipe as instructed, let them cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate in an airtight container.
When you’re ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’d like a crispy crust, brush the empanadas with an egg wash made from beaten egg and a tablespoon of cold water before baking.
If you prefer a different method of reheating, you can also use an air-fryer to warm them up. Simply place the empanadas in the air-fryer basket and heat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.
If you have leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These empanadas are perfect for packing in lunch boxes or for grabbing as a quick snack during the day. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven or air-fryer until heated through.
It’s important to note that freezing these spinach empanadas is not recommended as they may lose their texture and become soggy after thawing. So it’s best to prepare just enough for the occasion or store leftovers in the fridge and finish them within a few days.
Overall, these spinach empanadas are so versatile that they make an excellent option for both make-ahead meals and storing leftovers. With easy reheating methods at your disposal, you can enjoy these delicious treats without any fuss anytime – especially if you need a quick snack or meal on those busy days!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making empanadas can seem intimidating at first, but with the right tips and tricks, you will be able to make perfect spinach empanadas every time. Here are some tips for ensuring that your empanadas come out delicious and perfectly crispy every time.
1. Keep the dough cold: When making the empanada dough, it is essential to use cold water and butter. This will help keep the dough chilled, making it easier to work with and preventing it from getting too soft.
2. Don’t overwork the dough: Once the dough ingredients are combined, it’s important not to overwork it. Overworking can make it tough and chewy, so mix until just combined.
3. Seal them tight: One of the most common problems with empanadas is that they tend to leak filling during frying or baking, which could mess up appearance as well as taste. Ensure that the edges of each empanada are tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
4. Preheat your oven or air fryer: Whether you decide to bake or fry your empanadas, always preheat the oven or air fryer before adding them in for cooking. A hot oven/air fryer helps create a crispy exterior within no time.
5. Brush with egg wash: Brushing the tops of your empanadas with egg wash before baking helps create a golden-brown glaze across its surface while adding an extra layer of flavor.
6. Be Patient: Baking in batches will result in less stress and frustration than trying to load too many on one cookie sheet or air fryer basket space. Patience pays off while cooking!
With these tips in mind, you’re all set to make amazing spinach empanadas that will impress everyone who tries them.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these spinach empanadas are truly a recipe worth trying. The combination of fresh spinach, cheese, and savory spices creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or want to impress your guests with an authentic Argentinean dish that’s bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
With the tips and recommendations given in this article, you’re sure to achieve perfect results every time you make these empanadas. So don’t hesitate to try different variations and experiment with different substitutions to suit your personal preferences.
Remember- cooking is all about having fun and being creative. And there’s no harm in making mistakes as they lead us to better results. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the savory aroma fill your kitchen. Who knows, you might just discover new flavors and techniques that will surprise even the most seasoned chef.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, meat-eater or vegan, these empanadas can be adapted to any dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture. So why not wow your friends and family with this delicious and healthy dish?
In conclusion, these spinach empanadas recipe can bring people together around the table sharing food and good memories!
Spinach Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups roma tomatoes, seeded, peeled, and chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
Dough
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons lard (or vegetable shortening)
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup cold water (more or less)
Instructions
- Steam the spinach in a steamer until wilted, but not mushy--just a minute or two in the steamer.
- Heat the olive oil in a saute pan; when it is moderately hot, quickly stir in garlic and tomatoes, stirring constantly, for a couple of minutes.
- Remove pan from heat and let cool; mix in the cooked spinach, salt and pepper to taste.
- Dough: sift the flour with the salt and baking powder; place half the flour mixture in a big mixing bowl; make a well in the center.
- Place the butter, large, eggs, and water in the well.
- Mix at low speed to form a paste.
- Continue to mix in the remaining flour mixture until all is added; you may need to add water--slowly and in small quantities--until the dough reaches the right consistency.
- The dough should be soft and pliable, like pie dough.
- Place the dough in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Lightly flour a work surface; divide the dough into 4 pieces (keep the pieces you aren't using in the refrigerator until you need them).
- Use a floured rolling pin to roll out the dough about 1/8 inch thick.
- Use a large round cookie cutter or bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut circles from the dough.
- Use a slotted spoon (to allow any excess liquid to drain from the filling) and put some filling in the center of the circle and fold over to make a half circle; don't overfill.
- Seal the edges of the dough with your fingers or with a fork to make a scalloped edge.
- Get a large frying pan and add enough vegetable oil to cover the empanadas completely; heat the oil to the frying stage, about 350°.
- Fry the empanadas in oil, turning occasionally until brown on all sides; drain on paper towels; serve hot.
- **You may also bake these in the oven on a lightly greased baking sheet at 350° for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.