Empanadas de Plátano y Queso (Plantain and Cheese Empanadas)
Sweet and savory empanadas made with ripe plantain dough filled with melty cheese. These are a popular snack or dessert in Honduras, offering a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 large Ripe plantains
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 1 tbsp Sugar(optional, for dusting)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- 1
Peel the ripe plantains and cut them into chunks. Boil them in water until very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- 2
Drain the plantains well and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
- 3
In a bowl, combine the mashed plantains, 1/2 cup of flour, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- 4
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc on a lightly floured surface.
- 5
Place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese in the center of each dough disc. Fold the dough in half to create a crescent shape, and press the edges firmly to seal.
- 6
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- 7
Carefully fry the empanadas in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- 8
Remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. Optionally, dust with sugar while warm.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- âś“Use very ripe plantains for a sweeter dough.
- âś“Ensure the empanada edges are well sealed to prevent cheese from leaking out during frying.
- âś“For a less sweet version, use green plantains and omit the optional sugar dusting.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
- Use a different cheese like queso fresco or a blend of cheeses.