This empanada snack has no flour in it whatsoever and still hits the savory, filling spot. Susan Feniger, chef and owner of Mud Hen Tavern, shares this delicious alternative to the traditional empanada.

Plantain Empanadas Stuffing

Serves 6 to 8

    1 small poblano chile, roasted, peeled, and seeded*
    1 cup cold refried black beans
    2 scallions, white and some green parts, thinly sliced
    1/4 cup grated añejo, Romano, or feta cheese
    1/4 cup grated manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Empanada Dough


    3 ripe plantains, unpeeled
    1 ripe banana peeled
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/4 cup peanut oil
    1 cup Chipotle Crema for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut a lengthwise slit into each plantain and set on a baking sheet. Bake until the flesh is thoroughly soft and oozing through the slit, 40 to 50 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, make the stuffing. Finely dice the poblano chile. Combine with the remaining stuffing ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir to combine. The stuffing can be made up to a day in advance and reserved in the refrigerator.
Make the dough in a food processor or in a mixer with a paddle attachment. Peel, trim, and discard any tough ends from the plantains. Combine the plantains, banana, and salt and pulse until a smooth puree is formed, or mix until just blended. Be careful not to overwork the dough, or it will become too starchy. Wrap in plastic and chill about 2 hours.
To assemble the empanadas, roll 2 tablespoons of the dough lightly between your palms to form a ball. Line the bottom of a tortilla press with a small plastic bag and place the ball of dough in the center. Place another small bag over the dough and press to form a 3 1/2 inch circle. (If you do not have a tortilla press, the dough can be flattened with the palm of your hand on a counter, with a sheet of plastic above and below to prevent sticking.) Place about 1 teaspoon of the bean stuffing on half of the dough circle and fold over to enclose, pressing the edges to seal. Place the stuffed empanadas on a platter and chill at least 30 minutes or as long as a day. (Stuffed empanadas can also be frozen.)
To cook the empanadas, heat the peanut oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Fry 4 to 6 empanadas at a time, shaking the pan constantly, about 1 minute per side or until dark brown all over. (If they darken too quickly, as they may if very ripe plantains were used, lower the flame slightly.) Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with Chipotle Crema for dipping.
* Fresh chile and bell peppers can be roasted over a gas flame or on a tray under the broiler. Keep turning so the skin is evenly charred, without burning and drying out the flesh. Transfer charred peppers to a plastic bag, tie the top closed and let steam until cool to the touch, about 10 to 15 minutes. The best way to peel is just to pull off the charred skin by hand and then dip the peppers briefly in water to remove any blackened bits. Do not peel the peppers under running water since that will wash away flavorful juices. Once peeled, cut away stems, seeds and veins. Enjoy!

NEXT STORY

Next Story