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Vegan Empanadas with Spinach

Vegan Empanadas with Spinach: Tasty Healthy Baked Treats

Delicious vegan empanadas filled with spinach, garlic, and vegan cheese, offering a perfect snack or appetizer option.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 empanadas
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Latin American, Vegan
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups Flour Substitute with gluten-free cornflour or a gluten-free blend if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Butter Can be replaced with margarine or omitted for a lighter option.
  • 1 tsp Salt Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder Creates rise for the dough.
  • 1/2 cup Dairy-Free Milk (or Water) Warm plant-based milk yields better results.
For the Filling
  • 1 medium Onion Provides aroma and flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adds savory depth to the filling.
  • 10 oz Spinach (Frozen) Must be thawed and drained.
  • 1 cup Shredded Vegan Cheese Could be swapped with vegan cream cheese, feta, or cashew ricotta.
  • to taste Pepper Season to enhance flavor.
  • to taste Chili Season to enhance flavor.
  • to taste Nutmeg Season to enhance flavor.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 2 tbsp Soy Milk For brushing.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Adds flavor and facilitates even baking.
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Optional for coloring.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Fork
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, creating a well in the center. Pour in melted vegan butter and warm dairy-free milk, then mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead for a few minutes until elastic, then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up for easy handling.
Filling Preparation
  1. While the dough chills, thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the drained spinach, season with pepper, chili, and nutmeg, cooking for another 2-3 minutes before mixing in shredded vegan cheese. Allow the filling to cool completely.
Empanada Assembly
  1. Once your dough has chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 4-inch round cutter, cut out circles of dough. Place about a tablespoon of the cooled spinach filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges securely.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, arrange the empanadas and brush them generously with a mixture of olive oil and soy milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1empanadaCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the spinach filling is completely cooled before adding it to avoid a soggy dough. Roll the dough to a consistent thickness for uniform baking. Adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Assemble and freeze the empanadas before baking for easy snacks.

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