These sweet potato and black bean empanadas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness, while the black beans add a savory earthiness. The onion and bell pepper add a bit of crunch and freshness, and the cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note. The empanadas are baked until golden brown, which gives them a crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy interior.
Empanadas are a type of pastry that is popular in many Latin American countries. They are typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and are then fried or baked. The filling for these empanadas is made with sweet potatoes, black beans, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness, while the black beans add a savory earthiness. The onion and bell pepper add a bit of crunch and freshness, and the cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note. The empanadas are baked until golden brown, which gives them a crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy interior.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 8
Ingredients
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup cooked black beans
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, black beans, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling on the wide end of each wedge.
Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal.
Transfer the empanadas to a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why It Works
The combination of sweet potatoes and black beans is a great way to add both sweetness and earthiness to the empanadas.
The onion and bell pepper add a bit of crunch and freshness, while the cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note.
Baking the empanadas until golden brown gives them a crispy exterior and a warm, fluffy interior.