Name: Caribbean Plantain Turnover Empanadas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 large ripe plantain, the riper the better for sweetness; 4.5 tablespoons shredded mild Cheddar cheese, for a creamy, melty filling; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying to golden perfection

Empanadas

Plantain Empanadas

Aug 14, 2025
by Adella Konopelski
- 0.0 / 5 ( 0 Ratings)
0 Likes

PREP TIME

10 mins
COOK TIME

10 mins
TOTAL TIME

30 mins
SERVING

3 People
VIEWS

0

Experience the sweet and savory delight of these Plantain Empanadas. A taste of Nicaraguan tradition, these golden-fried pockets are filled with melted cheddar cheese, offering a unique twist on the classic empanada.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

1 large ripe plantain, the riper the better for sweetness

4.5 tablespoons shredded mild Cheddar cheese, for a creamy, melty filling

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying to golden perfection

Nutrition

Carbohydrate

29 g
Cholesterol

13 mg
Fiber

2 g
Protein

4 g
Saturated Fat

4 g
Sodium

87 mg
Sugar

14 g
Fat

14 g
Unsaturated Fat

0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Prepare the Plantain: Cut the plantain (with the peel on) into 3 equal pieces. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Boil the Plantain: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the plantain pieces and cook until the peels begin to bubble, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Cool and Peel: Remove the plantains from the boiling water using a slotted spoon and let them cool until they are easy to handle. Peel off the skin. (10 minutes)

04

Step

Mash the Plantain: Place the peeled plantains in a bowl and mash them thoroughly until smooth. (5 minutes)

05

Step

Shape the Empanadas: Divide the mashed plantain into 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Place each ball between two pieces of plastic wrap and press down to form a 6-inch round. (10 minutes)

06

Step

Fill the Empanadas: Unwrap the plantain rounds. Place 1 ½ tablespoons of shredded Cheddar cheese in the center of each round. (5 minutes)

07

Step

Seal the Empanadas: Fold the plantain rounds over the cheese to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges together firmly to seal, ensuring the cheese stays inside during frying. (5 minutes)

08

Step

Fry the Empanadas: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the stuffed plantains in the hot oil and fry until lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. (10 minutes)

09

Step

Drain and Serve: Remove the fried empanadas from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy! (5 minutes)

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mashed plantain.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese filling.
Ensure the plantains are very ripe for the best flavor and texture. The peel should be mostly black.
Be careful when frying to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy empanadas.

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Adella Konopelski

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.