Broccoli and Roasted Chickpea Empanadas

Photo of Broccoli & Roasted Chickpea Empanada
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Empanadas are small pies, very popular in Argentina and other South American countries. They come with many different fillings – you can put whatever you like in them, of course – but the most popular ones in Argentina are mince meat, and ham and cheese. 

Since I’m a vegetarian, those options clearly don’t work for me. Plus, the fillings in Argentina tend to be quite simple in terms of ingredients and flavour, and I prefer something a little richer and more elaborate.

I love the addition of roasted chickpeas in this recipe. If you’ve never tried roasted chickpeas before, you’d be amazed how simple and delicious they are. And broccoli has to be one of my favourite veggies. You can do a million things with it, plus it’s a superfood, packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants.

This recipe will make about 2 dozen empanadas. They can be eaten on their own as a snack, in which case 2 or 3 per person will be more than enough. Otherwise, a delicious side salad will turn them into a great main course.

Photo of Broccoli & Roasted Chickpea Empanada

Broccoli and Roasted Chickpea Empanadas

Empanadas are small pies, very popular in Argentina and other South American countries. 
This recipe will make about 2 dozen empanadas. They can be eaten on their own as a snack, in which case 2 or 3 per person will be more than enough. Otherwise, a delicious side salad will turn them into a great main course.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine Argentinean
Servings 24 empanadas

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp sherry vinegar use red wine vinegar or balsamic if you don’t have sherry
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1.25 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 200 gr chickpeas a can will be fine
  • 1 tbsp sumac
  • 50 gr walnuts broken up pieces
  • 1 knob butter
  • 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 heads broccoli cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
  • 100 gr feta cheese broken up into small pieces
  • 250 gr cottage cheese use ricotta if you don’t have cottage cheese
  • 1 pack shortcrust pastry

Instructions
 

  • First, make the filling. Heat a splash of oil in a saucepan and add the diced onions. Cook gently for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. Once they have softened, add the honey and vinegar and mix thoroughly. Add the garlic, cumin and chilli flakes, and continue to cook on a low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring from time to time. 
  • Heat the oven to 180deg C. Rinse, drain and pat dry the chickpeas (a sheet of kitchen roll will do). Toss them in about 1 tbs olive oil & 1/2 tsp salt. Don’t add too much oil or the chickpeas will end up swimming in it and soggy
    Roast them in a baking tray for 20 to 30 mins, shake & turn the tray every 10 mins. Some may pop, it’s ok. They are done when golden & slightly darkened, dry and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
    Remove from heat and add the sumac.
  • Spread the walnuts on a baking tray, roast for 5 mins. Toss together the hot walnuts, butter, smoked paprika and a large pinch of salt in a bowl, then tip them back onto the baking tray. Roast for 2-3 more mins to dry the coating. 
  • Steam the broccoli until tender.
  • In a large bowl combine all the cooked ingredients with the cheese. Check the seasoning. Leave the filling in the fridge to chill for half an hour.
  • Roll out your shortcrust pastry to about 2-3mm thickness. Cut into circles of approx. 12cm diameter. (If you want to go the extra mile, it’s worth making your own sour cream pastry for the empanadas. It’s such a buttery, flaky, delicious pastry, and a perfect match for this filling.)
  • To make up the empanadas, put a dessert spoon of filling into the centre of each pastry circle. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a semicircle and press the pastry circle edges together. You can do this with your fingers, or with a fork. In Argentina the edges are folded over to create a pretty border, but it’s not necessary.
  • Pop the empanadas onto a baking tray and brush them with egg or milk. Cook them for 20-25 minutes.
    Photo of broccoli empanadas on a baking tray
Keyword Empanadas, pies
image of Broccoli and Roasted Chickpea Empanada Pinterest image
Broccoli and Roasted Chickpea Empanada Pinterest image

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