Savory Plantain & Avocado Empanada Pocket

A savory and sweet street food delight featuring caramelized plantains and creamy avocado wrapped in a crispy empanada shell.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 25 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a hot oven to create a crispy texture for the empanada. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. 2.
   Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced plantains and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and caramelized. The caramelization enhances sweetness and flavor. If the plantains start to burn, lower the heat.
3. 3.
   On a clean surface, lay out the rolled empanada dough. Place the cooked plantain slices in the center of the dough, followed by the diced avocado. Top with crumbled cotija cheese, which adds a salty contrast to the sweetness of the plantains.
4. 4.
   Carefully fold the empanada dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking. If the dough begins to tear, patch it with a small piece of extra dough.
5. 5.
   Place the empanada on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the dough is golden and crisp. Allow the empanada to cool slightly before serving. This gives the filling a chance to set and prevents burns when biting into it.