The Allure of Pabellón - Venezuela's Savory National Dish

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and canned beans save prep time.

shredded beef

🥗Healthier: shredded chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Shredded chicken is leaner and ground beef is often less expensive.

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: cheese substitute

Nutritional yeast is lower in fat and adds a cheesy flavor.

fried plantains

🥗Healthier: baked plantains

💰Cheaper: sweet potatoes

Baked plantains are healthier and sweet potatoes are often cheaper.

Prepare the dough by mixing corn flour and water until smooth.

Knead the dough until it is pliable and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Cook black beans with onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper until tender.

Shred the beef and season with lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

Mash the fried plantains and set aside.

Roll out the dough into circles about 6 inches in diameter.

Place a spoonful of black beans, shredded beef, cheese, and plantains in the center of each circle.

Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and seal the edges firmly.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Fry the empanadas until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with salsa or guasacaca.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary