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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Published: Mar 8, 2022 · Modified: Jul 6, 2022 · This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links.

    Easy Argentine Spinach Empanadas Recipe

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    spinach empanada recipe pin
    V

    For a delicious and easy Argentine dish, try these spinach empanadas! This recipe is perfect for a potluck, quick lunch, or dinner and can be tailored to your taste. With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious empanada that's bound to please everyone.

    spinach empanadas served in a bowl
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    There are different versions across South America; today, we give you all the secrets about this dish that commonly becomes the main course in Argentina.

    Jump to:
    • 🥟 What is an Empanada?
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to make Spinach and Ricotta Empanadas
    • 📋 Notes
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storing
    • 👨🏻‍🍳 Serving suggestions
    • 💡 Additional pro tips
    • ❓ Recipe FAQs
    • 📚 More Empanada Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 🌡️ Food safety
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    🥟 What is an Empanada?

    There are different types of pastries, but the dough diverges in their type of fat content, which may make them more or less flaky pastry, wrapped around the preparation of meat, vegetables, and or a piece of cheese, baked or fried in the oven.

    spinach empanadas out of the oven pinched with a fork

    Empanadas came here from Spain but have remained popular throughout Europe for decades. Different regions have different favorite versions of the traditional stuffed pie, ranging from sweet to savory. The empanadas from Argentina are delicious baked variants stuffed with fresh spinach cheese and fresh cheese. This easy and satisfying empanada recipe is made with a chilled crust.

    🧾 Ingredients

    This Vegan Argentine Empanadas Recipe calls for just a handful of easy-to-get ingredients.

    spinach empanada recipe ingredients

    Filling

    • Fresh spinach (see variation notes if using frozen spinach). They will be even more flavorful if you can get them in season.
    • Garlic
    • Spring onions
    • Vegan ricotta cheese
    • Nutmeg
    • Olive oil

    "Egg wash"

    Paprika and water

    Vegan empanada dough

    🔪 How to make Spinach and Ricotta Empanadas

    To make these spinach and cheese empanadas is super easy, but it helps to have a free surface where you can spread your ingredients.

    Making vegan spinach empanadas doesn't require more than changing your choice of cheese and making sure you use olive oil for your dough.

    In a nutshell, you need to prepare the filling, spread your dough, make the discs, fill the empanada circles, and bake them. Let's explain it step-by-step.

    Prepare your ingredients

    Finely chop the wilted or fresh or frozen spinach, green onion tops, and bottoms. Then, mince the garlic.

    chopped vegetables for spinach empanadas filling

    Cook the veggies

    Start Sautéing the onions, garlic, with olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan for 2 minutes and add the spinach.

    sautéing garlic, spring onions, and olive oil
    sautéing garlic, spring onions, and olive oil

    Continue stirring until the onions look translucent and then add freshly ground nutmeg, and season with salt, and pepper.

    Mix

    Let the mix cool slightly and stir in the vegan ricotta cheese to a large bowl.

    mixing vegan ricotta cheese with cooked spinach mixture
    mixing vegan ricotta cheese with cooked spinach mixture

    Prepare to assemble empanadas

    Make the "egg" wash, mixing the paprika with water in a small bowl. Traditionally this is made simply using the egg yolk, but it is just to the idea is just adding color to the baking empanadas dough. This is what is going to make your empanadas look golden brown.

    smoked paprika mixture to brush turnovers
    paprika mixture

    Alternatively, you could use turmeric powder, which also has an orange color.

    Set a second small bowl only with water to wet your fingers.

    Spread the empanada or pizza dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface. (skip this if using store-bought empanada circles).

    Vegan Empanadas Dough flour the dough surface
    work the vegan empanadas dough with a wooden stick

    Cut the empanadas circles with a 3-4 inches cutter or any circular plate with a circular shape.

    Dust flour between each dough circle, or use parchment paper between them if you have leftover dough.

    cutting empanadas disc with empanada cutter
    cutting hand-pies disc with empanada cutter

    Roll the remaining dough into a ball, and spread it again with the rolling pin.

    Assemble empanadas

    Preheat oven to medium-high heat at 450ºF (230ºC).

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Moist your fingertips in the water bowl and spread some water on the edges of the discs.

    Fill the discs with about one tablespoon of the spinach filling in the center of the disc.

    spinach filling on top of empanada circle
    closing spinach empanadas
    closing spinach empanadas
    folding spinach and cheese empanadas borders

    Close the discs with a fork.

    closing spinach empanadas circle with a fork
    uncooked spinach empanada closed with a fork over parchment paper with little bowl of water to get fingers wet

    Or fold the dough outwards and inwards. Put pressure in the filled discs until closed.

    folding spinach and cheese empanadas borders
    folding spinach and cheese empanadas borders
    folding spinach and cheese empanadas borders
    uncooked spinach empanada closed with folding technique over parchment paper with little bowl of water to get fingers wet

    Pinch the top of the empanadas with a fork, so they can release well the heat while being baked, that way they won't explode.

    pinching empanadas with a fork

    Brush the empanadas with the paprika mixture.

    brushing empanadas with vegan egg wash

    Bake

    Bake the empanadas on prepared baking sheets in the preheated oven, for 15-20 minutes (until golden).

    spinach empanadas out of the oven pinched with a fork

    📋 Notes

    It is crucial to put water in the discs' tips before closing them. Otherwise, they will open in the oven.

    You may think that the amount of suggested fresh spinach is too much, but as spinach wilts, it loses most of its volume.

    You can have the empanada dough prepared a couple of hours or a day before.

    The dough becomes easier to handle if it has been refrigerated for a couple of hours.

    📖 Variations

    Cheese

    Vegan ricotta cheese can be replaced by vegan parmesan cheese, vegan feta cheese, or vegan mozzarella cheese.

    vegan ricotta cheese for spinach and ricotta empanadas

    Fresh spinach

    It is very common in Argentina to call these spinach empanadas "empanadas de verdura", and that's because they are commonly made combining both spinach and green swiss chard (acelga).

    This is true both for making empanadas and savory tarts, which are also very common. You might want to check our savory carrot tart and eggplant pie, which actually use the same dough.

    All typical, easy, and popular meal prep choices in South America.

    Swiss chard yields more volume than spinach because their leaves are more sturdy, hence you may need to chop them well and cook them for extra 5 minutes.

    Olive Oil

    Feel free to replace olive oil with vegan butter or your favorite vegetable oil.

    🥡 Storing

    You can store the empanadas in the fridge, separating them with baking paper.

    To bake frozen empanadas, you just need to place them directly in a baking tray without defrosting them.

    You might need to leave them in the oven for another 5 minutes.

    Empanadas are well kept frozen for months, so they make a great meal prep. The dough is well kept wholly covered in the fridge for two days.

    👨🏻‍🍳 Serving suggestions

    Wondering how to serve spinach ricotta empanadas?

    Baked spinach empanadas don't really need to be served with anything if you plan to have them as a main course. They are a complete meal.

    It is very common in Argentina to have empanadas and pizza nights, so you basically have 2 empanadas and 2 pizza slices; this is because most pizza delivery services make both empanadas and pizza.

    Make a basic Margherita pizza with your favorite toppings or the accidentally vegan traditional Marinara Pizza if you feel like having a full Argentinean dinner.

    hand grabbing a spinach empanada

    You can always serve them with a spicy sauce, such as Chimichurri Sauce.

    Just serve a bowl with spoons with your favorite sauce, some suggestions?

    Try our homemade vinaigrette, which also works well for your salads.

    We also like using our creamy vegan sauce, Also known as Vegan Green Goddess.

    💡 Additional pro tips

    Spinach and ricotta cheese make a great combination.

    If you love spinach and ricotta recipes, you will be delighted because the spinach filling used in this recipe can also be used to fill your cannelloni pasta. It works beautifully!

    ❓ Recipe FAQs

    Can I use frozen spinach?

    Yes! It is possible! Ensure to drain the excess liquid after thawing the frozen spinach and before it is incorporated into the savory spinach mixture.

    📚 More Empanada Recipes

    The classic Argentinian Empanada Recipe can be made as easy as you want, as the fillings can be simple or more complex in nature.

    We usually make various fillings for Argentine empanadas; you have two to three different kinds of fillings; you make a lot of them, and you get to try more!

    Our mushroom empanadas are a must-have, and our lentil empanadas always have people asking for more.

    If you want to go for an easy one, simply make vegan Caprese Cheese empanadas with some vegan shredded cheese, drained tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.

    vegan spinach empanadas served in a bowl

    ⭐ If you try this recipe, let us know! 💬 Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag us @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram. Cheers!

    📋 Recipe

    spinach empanadas served in a bowl

    Vegan Spinach Empanadas Recipe

    Gus
    If you're looking for an appetizer that will amaze your guests, look no further than these Argentine spinach empanadas. They are simple to make and absolutely delicious. Plus, they're perfect for any occasion! Get started on this recipe today and enjoy the compliments from your friends and family.
    4.9 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Resting Time 10 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Argentinean-Inspired, Comfort Food, Latin American
    Servings 12 Empanadas
    Calories 138 kcal

    Equipment

    our favorite rectangular silver baking tray.
    (affiliate link)
    Rectangular Baking Tray (affiliate link)
    Silicone BBQ 2 Brush Set – Premium Basting Brush with Heat Resistant Silicone Bristles, Silicone Kitchen Pastry Brush
    (affiliate link)
    Brush (affiliate link)
    empanada maker.
    (affiliate link)
    Empanada maker (affiliate link)

    Ingredients
     
     

    Spinach mixture

    • 15 oz spinach fresh
    • 9 spring onions medium, about 1 pound (454 grams)
    • 6 cloves garlic medium, about 1 ounce (30 grams)
    • 6 oz vegan ricotta or shredded vegan cheese
    • ½ teaspoon nutmeg freshly ground
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil extra-virgin
    • Pinch black pepper freshly ground

    "Egg" wash

    • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • -----
    • Vegan empanada dough or 12 store-bought empanadas circles
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Directions
     

    Filling

    • Finely chop the wilted or fresh spinach, green onion tops, and bottoms. Mince the garlic cloves.
    • Sauté the onions, garlic with olive oil for 2 minutes, and add the spinach.
    • Stir until golden, and add freshly ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
    • Let the mixture cool down, and strain it using a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate excess liquid. Then add the vegan ricotta cheese.

    Prepare the assembling table

    • Prepare the "egg" wash. With two little bowls, one with water only and the other one with two tablespoons of water and the paprika.
    • Spread the dough with a rolling pin on a surface with just a little bit of flour to avoid sticking.
    • Cut the discs with a 3-4 inches cutter or any circular plate with a circular shape.

    Assemble

    • Preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC).
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Moist your fingertips in the water bowl and spread some water on the edges of the discs.
    • Fill the discs with about one tablespoon of the spinach mixture in the center of the disc.
    • Close the discs and with a fork or folding them outwards and then inwards (see video), put pressure on the moist edges until perfectly closed.
    • Brush the empanadas with the paprika mixture.
    • Pinch the top of the empanadas with a fork, so they can release well the heat while being baked, that way they won't explode.

    Bake

    • Bake the empanadas on a non-stick pan or a flat pan with lined-parchment paper for 15-20 minutes (until golden).

    Video

    Notes

    It is crucial to put water in the discs' tips before closing them. Otherwise, they will open in the oven.
    You can have the mix prepared a couple of hours or a day before.
    You can store the empanadas in the fridge, separating them with pieces of parchment paper.
    To bake frozen empanadas, you just need to place them directly in a baking tray without defrosting. You might need to leave them in the oven for another 5 minutes.
    Empanadas keep well frozen for months, making a great meal prep.
    The dough keeps well wholly covered in the fridge for two days.

    Nutrition Facts

    Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 230mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 383IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @ourplantbasedworld on Instagram and Hashtag it #ourplantbasedworld so we can see what's cooking!!
    Nutrition Facts
    Vegan Spinach Empanadas Recipe
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    138
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    5
    g
    8
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Sodium
     
    230
    mg
    10
    %
    Potassium
     
    157
    mg
    4
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    20
    g
    7
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    3
    g
    6
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    383
    IU
    8
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    7
    mg
    8
    %
    Calcium
     
    22
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
     
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    🌡️ Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Nutritional Disclaimer

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our full Nutritional Disclosure here.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I recommend all of the products listed because they are companies I have found helpful and trustworthy.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jeff says

      March 08, 2022 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      I loved the empanadas I had in South America (even made them in a cooking class in Valparaiso). This is a fun and delicious take on the popular street food.

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 10, 2022 at 8:54 am

        That's nice, Chileans have great empanadas as well, the famous "Empanadas Chilenas!. Thanks for you review!

        Reply
    2. Jess says

      March 08, 2022 at 9:19 pm

      5 stars
      Ok I LOVE empanadas! So excited for this!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 09, 2022 at 9:56 am

        That's great, Jess! you are going to love these Spinach ricotta empanadas!

        Reply
    3. Carrie Robinson says

      March 08, 2022 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      These look absolutely delicious! 🙂 Going to make this recipe asap.

      Reply
    4. Sara says

      March 09, 2022 at 2:05 am

      5 stars
      Delicious empanadas, loved the flavour and perfect for lunch!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 09, 2022 at 9:56 am

        That's great Sara! thanks for your review, we appreciate it!

        Reply
    5. Sara Welch says

      March 09, 2022 at 3:00 am

      5 stars
      Adding these to my dinner line up for the week; love a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights and definitely looks too good to pass up, indeed!

      Reply
    6. Taly says

      March 10, 2022 at 9:25 pm

      5 stars
      I love it!
      I always make empanadas in batches, some, with a corn filling and another batch with chard filling and freeze them!
      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 11, 2022 at 7:36 am

        Hey Tali, we love the corn filling, you just reminded me, that I need to make that filling for the blog. The chard is also great, I remember mixing both chard and spinach at times when making this recipe!

        Reply
    7. Claudia Lamascolo says

      March 11, 2022 at 12:35 pm

      5 stars
      I love trying new recipes like this and it was super delicious and I just made some everyone loved!

      Reply
    8. Gina says

      March 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious! My family makes an Italian "torta" with essentially the exact same filling (love the hint of nutmeg with ricotta!) and it's one of my favorite things. Love it with empanada dough just as much.

      Reply
    9. Katie says

      March 11, 2022 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      These empanadas are fantastic! I can't wait to make them again!

      Reply
    10. Jill says

      March 11, 2022 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      I've always been intimidated to try and make empanadas. Your process photos are fantastic so I'm going to give it a go!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 11, 2022 at 4:41 pm

        I am glad you found the process shots helpful Jill! Let us know how that goes!

        Reply
    11. Ieva says

      March 11, 2022 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful recipe! I couldn't find any vegan ricotta but used vegan cream cheese instead and it worked wonders! Lovely flavours and really not too difficult to make! Thanks!

      Reply
    12. Holley says

      March 11, 2022 at 2:11 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun and tasty recipe! Definitely a crowd pleaser! Yum!

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 15, 2022 at 7:35 am

        Thank you for your review, Holley! I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe as much as we do.

        Reply
    13. Anaiah says

      March 11, 2022 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      Such a quick, easy, and delicious recipe for Argentine spinach empanadas. Even my husband who is not vegan is loving it! I will mix it up and try using chard next time. Thanks for the recipe and tips.

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 11, 2022 at 4:41 pm

        Hey Anaiah, that's great! Super cool to know that even non-vegans like the recipe! Spinach ricotta empanadas are a true crown pleasers!

        Reply
    14. nancy says

      March 11, 2022 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      you are making me hungry again. these spinach empanadas are perfectly crispy and filled. Even the frozen batch turns out wonderfully with your tips

      Reply
      • Gus says

        March 12, 2022 at 10:52 am

        🙂 I am glad you found the freezing tips helpful!

        Reply
    15. Kris says

      July 13, 2022 at 5:45 am

      5 stars
      These were absolutely scrumptious! Can't wait to make again! 🙂

      Reply
      • Gus says

        July 14, 2022 at 1:14 am

        Thank you for trying our spinach empanadas recipe Kris, and we're so glad you enjoyed it! We hope you'll give it a try again soon.

        Reply
    16. Carrie says

      August 22, 2022 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      These were awesome for my vegan friends. Even the non-vegans loved them too. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    17. dana says

      August 22, 2022 at 6:13 pm

      5 stars
      These are SUCH a treat! Had them for lunch over the weekend and they are just so tasty and wholesome. Thanks for another awesome recipe!

      Reply
    18. Sara Welch says

      August 22, 2022 at 7:25 pm

      5 stars
      Gave these a try for dinner last night and easily have a new favorite recipe! So hearty and delicious; even my picky eaters gobbled them up!

      Reply
    19. Sarah says

      August 22, 2022 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the flavour in these empanadas! Thank you for your helpful tips, these turned out great. Going to try making the dough from scratch next time.

      Reply

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