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Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri
Laura

Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri

Delicious plant-based empanadas filled with seasoned lentils, colorful vegetables, and served with fresh chimichurri sauce. Perfect for dinner or entertaining.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 20 empanadas
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Argentinian, Latin American
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups vegetable broth or water for cooking lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large carrot diced into small cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 cup frozen green peas thawed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 20 empanada discs store-bought or homemade
  • 1 egg substitute for brushing plant milk or aquafaba
  • fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • cup olive oil for chimichurri
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Fork for crimping

Method
 

  1. Cook the lentils in vegetable broth until tender but not mushy, about 20 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
  2. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Add the diced carrot and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  4. Stir in the cooked lentils, green peas, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool completely.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place an empanada disc on a clean surface and add 2 tablespoons of filling to one half.
  6. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal tightly. Repeat with remaining discs and filling.
  7. Arrange empanadas on baking sheet. Brush tops with plant milk or aquafaba. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  8. For chimichurri: Blend parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes until desired consistency. Season with salt.
  9. Serve warm empanadas with chimichurri sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Cool filling completely before assembling to prevent soggy dough
  • Don't overfill empanadas or they'll burst during baking
  • Empanadas can be frozen unbaked and baked from frozen
  • Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days
  • Reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness