Empanadas de Espinazo

Empanadas de Espinazo are a delightful vegan twist on a traditional Mexican appetizer, featuring a savory filling of marinated jackfruit that mimics the texture of spiced pork. These golden, flaky pastries are perfect for sharing and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

• jackfruit - 200 grams, young and canned in water
• olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• salt - to taste
• black pepper - to taste
• fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• whole wheat flour - 1 cup
• warm water - 1/4 cup
• salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• vegan butter - 2 tablespoons, melted

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Drain and rinse the jackfruit, then shred it using a fork or your hands into a pulled meat texture.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the shredded jackfruit to the skillet, followed by cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is tender and flavors are well combined.
5. Stir in the chopped cilantro and remove the mixture from heat. Let it cool.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, warm water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and melted vegan butter. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rest for 15 minutes.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Cut out circles using a 10cm diameter cutter.
8. Place a spoonful of the jackfruit mixture in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
9. Arrange the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little olive oil.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which aids digestion.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties due to spices like cumin and paprika.

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