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Vegan Puerto Rican Empanadillas Flavorful Twist on a Classic

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Vegan Puerto Rican Empanadillas: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Empanadillas, or empanadas, are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and transforming them into a vegan delight is a great way to make this traditional dish accessible to everyone. Here’s a recipe that captures the vibrant flavors and cultural significance of Puerto Rico, all while keeping it vegan and delicious.

The Filling: Vegan Picadillo

In traditional Puerto Rican picadillo, ground meat is a key ingredient. For our vegan version, we’ll use black beans as the main protein source, which are not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo Seasoning Blend (see below)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A splash of white wine vinegar (optional, for balancing flavors)

Adobo Seasoning Blend:

  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the Onions and Peppers: Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook until they are soft and lightly caramelized.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the Adobo Seasoning Blend and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine.
  4. Add Black Beans and Tomato Paste: Stir in the cooked black beans and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Balance the Flavors: If the mixture seems too rich, add a splash of white wine vinegar to balance the flavors.

Prepare the Dough:

For the dough, you can either make your own or use a store-bought vegan empanada dough. Here’s a simple recipe for homemade dough:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/4 cup warm water

Instructions:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
  2. Add Shortening: Add the vegetable shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Water: Gradually add the warm water, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
  5. Rest the Dough: Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Assemble the Empanadillas

  1. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle.
  2. Fill the Empanadillas: Place a tablespoon or two of the picadillo filling in the center of each dough circle.
  3. Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal the empanadilla. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
  4. Fry or Bake: You can either fry the empanadillas in hot oil until they are golden brown or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your vegan empanadillas hot with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad. These make perfect appetizers, snacks, or even a light meal.

Cultural Significance

Empanadillas are more than just a dish in Puerto Rican culture; they are a symbol of community and tradition. These pastries are often made during family gatherings and celebrations, where everyone pitches in to help with the preparation. By making these vegan empanadillas, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal but also connecting with the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico.

Tips and Variations

  • Use TVP or Beans: If you prefer a different texture, you can use textured vegetable protein (TVP) or other types of beans like lentils or chickpeas. TVP is easily available in Puerto Rico and is a very affordable option.
  • Add Sofrito: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a bit of sofrito to the filling. However, use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.

Enjoy your delicious vegan Puerto Rican empanadillas, filled with the vibrant flavors and heart of this beautiful island culture.

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