Low Fat Cheese Empanada

Delight in the wholesome goodness of these Low Fat Cheese Empanadas, a healthier twist on the classic savory pastry that's perfect for guilt-free snacking or an appetizer bursting with flavor. Crafted with a whole wheat flour dough and filled with a creamy blend of low-fat cream cheese, low-fat ricotta, and sautéed spinach, garlic, and onion, these golden-baked empanadas deliver a satisfying bite with less fat. The olive oil-infused dough ensures a tender, flaky crust, while the hint of black pepper adds a subtle kick. Ready in under an hour, these baked empanadas are an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious, crowd-pleasing dish. Serve warm alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful, lightened-up treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2/3 cup Cold water
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 4 ounces Low-fat cream cheese
• 4 ounces Low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 cup Fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 units Garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 unit Egg white

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add cold water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

Step 2

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 4

For the filling, in a medium-sized bowl, mix the low-fat cream cheese and low-fat ricotta cheese until smooth.

Step 5

In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the chopped spinach, minced garlic, and chopped onion until soft. Let cool slightly.

Step 6

Add the sautéed spinach mixture to the cheese mixture and stir to combine. Season with black pepper.

Step 7

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut dough into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or a glass.

Step 8

Place about 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.

Step 9

Place the empanadas on the prepared baking sheet and brush each with beaten egg white for a glossy finish.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown.

Step 11

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your low-fat cheese empanadas warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(886.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1839.6

Total Fat 89.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 83.6mg	0%
Sodium 3068.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 200.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.6g	0%
Total Sugars 10.3g
Protein 59.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 657.4mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 1859.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.7%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 43.3%