Chickpea Empanadas

Chickpea Empanadas are a delightful vegan twist on a traditional Spanish dish, packed with flavor and nutrition. These golden pastries are filled with spiced chickpeas and vegetables, making them a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 50 ml
• Water - 100 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Chickpeas (cooked) - 200 grams
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Red bell pepper (diced) - 1 small
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - ½ teaspoon
• Fresh parsley (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil (for frying) - 100 ml

Steps

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and mix until crumbly, then gradually add water until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly, wrap in plastic, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in the diced red bell pepper, cumin, paprika, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the peppers are tender.
4. Add the cooked chickpeas, parsley, and lemon juice to the skillet. Mash the chickpeas slightly with a fork, mixing everything well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 3 mm thick. Cut into circles, approximately 10 cm in diameter.
6. Place a spoonful of the chickpea mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.
7. Heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the empanadas to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in plant-based protein from chickpeas.
• Rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.

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