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Lentil and Veggie Vegan Empanadas

Lentil and Veggie Vegan Empanadas with Zesty Chimichurri

Delicious Lentil and Veggie Vegan Empanadas packed with spiced lentils and colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick meal or comforting dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10 empanadas
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian, Vegan
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free flour for a GF version.
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Butter or Coconut Oil Solid coconut oil is a great non-dairy alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 6-8 tablespoons Cold Water Adjust the amount to achieve the perfect consistency.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar Adds tanginess and improves the dough's texture.
For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for sautéing vegetables.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 medium Carrot Diced.
  • 1 medium Celery Diced.
  • 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Diced.
  • 2 cups Cooked Green or Brown Lentils Avoid red lentils as they tend to get mushy.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Chili Flakes Optional for heat.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro or Parsley Chopped.
  • 1 cup Cooked Crumbled Tofu Optional for extra protein.
For the Chimichurri Sauce
  • 1 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar Adds acidity and tang.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Optional for additional spice.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Blender
  • Rolling Pin
  • Fork

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, stirring to blend. Cut in cold vegan butter until coarse. Gradually mix in apple cider vinegar and cold water, enough to form a soft dough. Knead briefly, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Filling Preparation
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add carrot, celery, and red bell pepper, cooking until softened. Stir in tomato paste, spices, and lentils, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Rolling and Assembling
  1. Remove dough from the fridge, divide into 10 equal portions. Roll each into a 5-inch circle. Keep covered with cloth. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling into the center, fold over, and crimp edges securely.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange empanadas on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Chimichurri Making
  1. Blend fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and crushed red pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1empanadaCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize filling with your choice of vegetables or proteins like quinoa or black beans. Serve empanadas with extra chimichurri on the side for the best experience.

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