Little Sweet Potato Pies(Empanadas De Camote)
Sweet potato empanadas with warm spices and a tender crust, perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting snack with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes until they are almost dry.
- Mash the cooked sweet potatoes and add margarine, brown sugar, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and cloves.
- Ensure the mixture is dry and well combined.
- Prepare pastry dough and form into small balls about the size of a silver dollar.
- Using a rolling pin, roll each ball as thin as possible into a circle.
- Place about a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and seal the edges with the tines of a fork.
- Lay the empanadas on a cookie sheet and bake in a hot oven at 425°F until they are lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and brush the tops of each empanada with 1/2 teaspoon of Eagle Brand milk.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you want to reduce sugar, you can replace half of the brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure the sweet potato mixture is thoroughly dried before filling the empanadas to avoid sogginess. When rolling out the dough, dust with flour to prevent sticking and achieve a perfect thinness.
Serving Suggestions
These Little Sweet Potato Pies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a dollop of sour cream or a side of Vickie'S Famous Salsa for a sweet-savory contrast. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a fresh salad or serving them as part of a Mexican recipes-themed dinner with Enchiladas 'Beef or Chicken'.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also freeze them before baking for up to three months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Sweet Potato Pies(Empanadas De Camote) contains roughly 307 calories, with 3g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with regular potatoes, but the taste and texture will differ significantly. Make sure to adjust the spices accordingly to enhance the flavor profile.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! A homemade pastry dough can elevate the empanadas. Use a simple recipe that includes flour, butter, a pinch of salt, and cold water. Just ensure it rests for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
How do I know when the empanadas are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color on the tops of the empanadas and a lightly toasted appearance. They should be firm to the touch and not doughy. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).