Heart-Healthy Cheese Empanada

Indulge in the guilt-free comfort of these Heart-Healthy Cheese Empanadas, a wholesome twist on the classic Latin American favorite. Made with fiber-rich whole wheat flour and heart-smart olive oil, the golden, homemade dough wraps around a creamy filling of low-fat ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and nutrient-packed spinach, seasoned to perfection with garlic powder and black pepper. These baked empanadas are a lighter alternative to their fried counterparts, offering all the flavor with none of the grease. Ideal for a quick dinner, appetizer, or snack, this recipe is ready in under an hour and yields eight irresistibly crispy, cheesy pockets of goodness. Perfect for health-conscious food enthusiasts, these empanadas will keep your taste buds and heart happy!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole wheat flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 0.75 cup Warm water
• 1 cup Low-fat ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup Low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Chopped spinach
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 large Egg white, beaten

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt.

Step 2

Stir in the olive oil and warm water gradually, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 5

While the dough is resting, prepare the filling by mixing low-fat ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, garlic powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl.

Step 6

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Step 8

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball into a 6-inch circle using a rolling pin.

Step 9

Place about two tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of each circle.

Step 10

Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal.

Step 11

Use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure the filling is securely enclosed.

Step 12

Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 13

Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg white.

Step 14

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 15

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Step 16

Enjoy your delicious and heart-healthy cheese empanadas!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	938.3 grams (938.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1855

Total Fat 89.60g	115%
Saturated Fat 28.00g	140%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 124mg	41%
Sodium 1913mg	83%
Total Carbohydrate 189.50g	69%
Dietary Fiber 32.10g	115%
Total Sugars 4.70g
Protein 83.70g	167%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1283mg	99%
Iron 15mg	81%
Potassium 2018mg	43%

*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: 42.5%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 39.9%