Walnut Meat Empanadas with Cilantro Lime Sauce

By Maria Koutsogiannis
Total Time
1 Hr, 35 Mins
Serves
8
Serving Size
2 empanadas + 1 1/2 tablespoons sauce
Meal
Lunch Snack
Course
Appetizers Snack

DESCRIPTION

This vegetarian empanada is packed with a seasoned walnut mushroom filling and is served with a tangy yogurt and cilantro sauce.

Prep Time
30 Mins
Cook Time
1 Hr, 5 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr, 35 Mins
Calories
430
Total Fat
30
Saturated Fat
7
Polyunsaturated Fat
8.553
Monounsaturated Fat
12.1
Cholesterol
less than 5
Sodium
580
Carbohydrates
37
Dietary Fiber
3
Total Sugars
3
Protein
7
Vitamin D
0
Calcium
80
Iron
2
Potassium
290

Ingredients

Empanadas

  • 1 cup of assorted sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup California Walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing surface
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted red pepper
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or puree
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 16 Small Empanada Skins or 4-inch puffed pastry or pie dough circles*

Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce

  • 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 of a small bunch cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Preparation

  1. Place mushrooms in a food processor and process until finely ground. Remove and add walnuts; process until finely ground.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, walnuts and onion; cook for 10 minutes or until the mixture is nicely browned and all liquid has evaporated, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic.
  3. Add red pepper, tomato sauce, soy sauce and seasonings. Cook and stir for 5 minutes over medium heat. Set aside to cool.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay dough circles on a flat surface and spoon equal amounts of filling into the center of each. Brush the edges with a little water and fold in half. Crimp with a fork to seal in filling and place on baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
  5. While empanadas are baking, place all dressing ingredients in a small blender or food processor and puree until smooth, or place ingredients in a deep bowl and puree with a stick blender.
  6. Serve warm empanadas with yogurt sauce.

    *A 14.1-oz. packaged of refrigerated pie dough will yield 16 circles.