Empanadas

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups of Banaplus green banana flour

• 1 cup of warm water

• 1 tablespoon of olive or coconut oil

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (optional, for color)

For the filling (you can vary it according to preference):

• 1 cup of ground meat (chicken, beef, or pork) or shredded cheese

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, chopped

• 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped

• 1 small tomato, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Prepare the filling:

   • In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat.

   • Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until golden.

   • Add the ground meat (or cheese if you prefer a vegetarian filling) and cook until fully cooked.

   • Add the tomato and cook for a few more minutes, until the juices reduce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • Remove from heat and let the filling cool while you prepare the dough.

2. Prepare the dough:

   • In a large bowl, mix the Banaplus green banana flour with the salt and turmeric (if using).

   • Gradually add the warm water, mixing with your hands until you form a soft and manageable dough.

   • Add the oil and continue kneading until the dough is uniform. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more water; if it’s too sticky, add more flour.

3. Form the empanadas:

   • Divide the dough into small balls, the size of a golf ball.

   • Place one ball of dough between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and flatten it with a rolling pin or your hands until you get a circle of about 10 cm in diameter.

   • Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of the dough.

   • Fold the dough in half, forming a half-moon, and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or a fork to prevent the filling from spilling out.

4. Cook the empanadas:

   • In a large pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat.

   • Fry the empanadas for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.

   • Remove from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Optional: Baking instead of frying:

• If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the empanadas at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, until golden.

Enjoy your Banaplus Green Banana Flour Empanadas! They are perfect for any occasion, crispy, and full of flavor.