This Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri is a crispy, savory delight that’s easy to make at home. Filled with hearty lentils and fresh veggies, these empanadas are bursting with flavor and have the perfect tender-crisp texture. The vibrant chimichurri sauce adds a zesty, herbal kick. Whether for weeknight dinners or meal prep, these empanadas are beginner-friendly and use pantry staples. Pair it with my vegan stuffed shells for a complete plant-based feast.
Why You'll Love Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor
Enjoy this easy Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri for a delicious homemade meal. Perfectly crispy, flavorful, and family-friendly!
- Hearty and satisfying vegan main dish packed with protein from lentils.
- Easy homemade empanada dough and simple veggie filling for beginner cooks.
- Bright chimichurri adds a fresh, tangy contrast to rich filling.
- Perfect for meal prep, leftovers taste great reheated.
Ingredients for Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor
Lentils: Brown or green lentils hold their shape best; red lentils cook mushier and are less ideal.Empanada dough: Use store-bought vegan dough for convenience or make a simple dough with flour, oil, and water.
- Lentils: Brown or green lentils hold their shape best; red lentils cook mushier and are less ideal.
- Empanada dough: Use store-bought vegan dough for convenience or make a simple dough with flour, oil, and water.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook Lentils: In a medium pot, combine lentils and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain excess water and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften. Stir in cooked lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 more minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make Chimichurri: In a bowl, whisk together chopped parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Expert Tips for Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor
- Don’t overcook lentils to avoid mushy filling.
- Seal edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika and chili powder for smoky, mild heat.
Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor
Enjoy this easy Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri for a delicious homemade meal. Perfectly crispy, flavorful, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup finely diced carrots
- 1 cup finely diced bell peppers (red or green)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pre-made vegan empanada dough disc or homemade dough (see notes)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for chimichurri)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for chimichurri)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (for chimichurri)
- 1/3 cup olive oil (for chimichurri)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of half a lime (for chimichurri)
Optional Toppings
- Extra chimichurri sauce
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
How to Make Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri
- Cook Lentils: In a medium pot, combine lentils and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain excess water and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften. Stir in cooked lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 3 more minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make Chimichurri: In a bowl, whisk together chopped parsley, cilantro, red wine vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble Empanadas: Roll out empanada dough discs on a floured surface. Spoon 2 tablespoons of lentil filling onto each disc’s center. Fold dough over and press edges with a fork to seal. Place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake empanadas for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Drizzle with chimichurri sauce and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor FAQs
Yes! You can assemble the empanadas and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
You can use cooked black beans or chickpeas as an alternative, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
Store cooked empanadas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked empanadas before baking.
If the filling has too much moisture, the empanadas can be soggy. Make sure to drain lentils well and cook vegetables fully before assembling. Bake at the correct temperature for crispy crust.
You Might Also Like
Before You Go
If you try this Vegan Lentil Empanadas Recipe with Veggie Filling & Chimichurri - Easy Homemade Flavor, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.