Banana Empanadas

Indulge in the perfect balance of buttery pastry and sweet, caramelized filling with these delightful Banana Empanadas. Made from scratch, the flaky dough comes together with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour and unsalted butter, while the luscious banana filling features ripe bananas simmered with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon for a warm, comforting depth of flavor. Lightly fried to golden perfection, these handheld treats boast a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, gooey center. Perfect as a dessert or a cozy snack, these irresistible pastries are quick to prepare, with just 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time. Serve them warm for an authentic, crowd-pleasing treat that's as pleasing to the taste buds as it is nostalgic. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these Banana Empanadas are sure to be a hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 6 tablespoons cold water
• 3 medium ripe bananas
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.

Step 2

Add the unsalted butter to the bowl and use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 3

Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.

Step 4

While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Peel and chop the bananas into small pieces and place them in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to the saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the bananas are softened and the sugar has dissolved into a caramel-like consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

Step 6

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the dough.

Step 7

Place a spoonful of the banana filling in the center of each circle, being careful not to overfill.

Step 8

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to press and seal the edges. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.

Step 9

In a small bowl, beat the egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the tops of the empanadas.

Step 10

In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 11

Carefully fry the empanadas in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

Step 12

Remove the empanadas with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 13

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1321.6 grams (1321.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5515

Total Fat 477.20g	612%
Saturated Fat 90.40g	452%
Polyunsaturated Fat 270.80g
Cholesterol 344mg	115%
Sodium 728mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate 326.20g	119%
Dietary Fiber 16.50g	59%
Total Sugars 104.00g
Protein 35.70g	71%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 136mg	10%
Iron 13mg	74%
Potassium 1660mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.8%

Protein: 2.5%

Carbs: 22.7%