Empalmes Recipe, Empanadas de Plátano

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Empalmes is a recipe that comes from Latin American cuisine, this recipe shows us how to use plantains very cleverly to become a tempting dish. I have known this empalmes snack for a long time because my family has often made this dish since a long time ago. Living in a family that loves culinary is enjoyable, we all appreciate various recipes including this best one, and we will share it right now.

In the past, when I was a little I often enjoyed Empalmes together at the dining table while telling stories. It tastes very pleasant and now every time I try this dish it always reminds me of a moment of happiness and beautiful nostalgia. You must be curious about this heart of Latin America recipe, isn’t it?

How To Make Empalmes

What do you know about Empalmes? Empales are also called “Empanadas de Plátano” such as in some areas. Empanadas are an extraordinary masterpiece even though they only use versatile ingredients such as plantains.

In this recipe, the taste of ripe plantains is combined with savory ingredients to provide a unique sensation, a harmonious combination that makes your culinary tastes irresistible.

Ingredients:

Three types of ingredients must be prepared to make empalmes, ingredients for the dough, filling, and ingredients for frying.

Ingredients for the Dough:

• 3 ripe plantains
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken, or other meat you like
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (assorted colors)
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup cooked and diced potatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions on How to Make Empalmes

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Start by peeling the plantains, after peeling, cut them into small pieces. Place them in a pot that full of boiling water until they are soft, and can be easily mashed with a fork.
2. Drain the plantains, mash them with a fork until soft, and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Now, combine the mashed plantains with the all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and salt in a mixing bowl. Knead the dough until it is smooth and pliable. If the dough feels sticky, add a little flour. But if it feels dry, you can add a little water.

2. Prepare the Filling

Now let’s look at how to prepare the filling ingredients for it.

1. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat, add the chopped garlic, and sauté until the aroma is released. Next, add the diced shallots, and cook until the onions are translucent.
2. Add the diced bell peppers, and diced cooked potatoes, and add the frozen peas and carrots. Saute for a few minutes until they are tender.
3. Add the shredded chicken, or you can also add any other meat you like to the pan. Sprinkle with cumin, salt, paprika, and peppers. Mix well and cook until the inside (the filling) is hot, and everything comes together deliciously.
4. Finally, remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Assemble the Empalmes

Now it’s time to assemble this amazing snack, combining the dough and the filling.

1. Start by taking a small ball of plantain dough and flatten it into a circle, you can use your palms or press it on a flat surface. If you want it to be faster, you can use a rolling pin. But using your palms you can already shape it.
2. Take a spoonful of filling and place it on the prepared dough or already formed into a flat round circle.
3. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half moon, and press the ends to close the empalme. You can form a pattern on the edges by pressing it with a fork.
4. At this point, you have made one empalme, and do the same method for all the dough you have prepared.

4. Fry:

1. The last step is to fry it. Heat vegetable oil over medium to high heat in a skillet. The oil should be very hot but not smoking or reaching its smoke point.
2. Slowly place them one by one into the hot oil. After frying a few minutes of the oil,  it will have turned golden brown and crispy on both sides.
3. Once cooked, remove them one by one with a slotted spoon so as not to raise the oil. Lift and place the empalmes one by one on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Once cooked, drain and let them cool, and you are ready to enjoy them. You can enjoy them directly or with your favorite dipping sauce.
2. Empalmes are delicious served as an appetizer, snack, or as a meal eaten with salad. They are also delicious and enjoyed by inserting or stabbing one cayenne pepper into them.

Tips:

• Make an empalmes recipe with ripe plantains, but don’t let them get too soft.
• To get the taste that suits each taste, you can experiment with different ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and beans.
• When adding the filling on top of the dough, make sure you close the edges well and avoid leakage.
• For a healthier, you can bake the empalme in the oven instead of frying until cooked or the color is brown or golden.

Recommendation:

• How Long Do Plantain Chips Last?
• Banana Chocolate Chip Bread Recipe
• Banana Tempura Recipe: Crispy and Sticky, Sweet Inside

What To Serve With

Empalmes or Empanadas de Plátano can be enjoyed in many ways, including:

1. Dipping Sauces for Empalmes

Serving Empanadas de Plátano with dipping sauce is one way to enhance its flavor. You can try it with sauces such as:

1. Salsa Verde: This is a green salsa made from tomatillos, fresh herbs, and green chilies. Its spiciness is perfect to accompany the dish.
2. Spicy Mango Chutney: Mango sauce with a sweet and spicy taste is also perfect to accompany the deliciousness of Empanadas de Plátano. The contrasting flavors provide a rich taste and are certainly enjoyable for those who eat them.
3. Garlic Aioli: This is a dangerous mayonnaise sauce with the addition of garlic making it something rich and unique when dipped with Empanadas.
4. Raspberry Chipotle: The raspberry Chipotle provides a smoky and spicy flavor, mixed with creamy mayonnaise making it a delicious match.

2. Rice and Beans

Make the perfect dish by serving soft white rice with beans. The combination of both makes the taste of empalmes delicious.

3. Pickled Vegetables

Enjoy your empalmes with a little sour taste of pickled vegetables, try it with pickled carrots, jalapenos, or with garlic.

4. Fruit Salsa

1. Pineapple Salsa: The sweet combination of pineapple and jalapenos and fresh cilantro can add an extraordinary dining experience.
2. Mango-Peach Salsa: A delightful blend of ripe mangoes, juicy peaches, red onions, and lime juice that brings sunshine to your plate.

5. Beverage Pairings for Empalmes

In addition to pairing it with some of the ingredients above, you can also enjoy the dish while enjoying a glass of refreshing drink.

1. Fruit-infused Water: Water mixed with refreshing fruit slices, herbal mixtures, or berries, offers freshness and of course can hydrate your body. Feel a different experience when enjoying your favorite empalmes.
2. Agua Fresca: This is a drink made from fresh fruit known as a typical Mexican drink. The ingredients are fresh fruit, water, and a little sweetener. There are many flavors, and watermelon, hibiscus, and cucumber flavors are some of the popular choices for many people.
3. Iced Tea: Black tea shot or Orange tea shot can also be an option to pair with empalmes or Empanadas de Plátano.

6. Enjoy with sweets

Finish your Empanadas de Plátano meal with a sweet treat, it will offer a contrasting and enjoyable flavor.

1. Fried Plantains: For a sweet treat, follow it up with fried plantains sprinkled with cinnamon and melted brown or brown sugar. It’s a delightful, contrasting yet delicious combination.
2. Dulce de Leche: Try dipping your empalmes or Empanadas de Plátano in caramel sauce for a decadent touch.