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Tender Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

By TinyTummyTreats Editorial TeamPublished Apr 18, 2026 | Updated May 11, 2026
Latin American-Inspired 45 mins easy-to-makevegetable-basedsoft-texturequick-prepfinger-food-friendlybalanced-nutritionsuitable-for-2-year-oldslunchbox-friendlymake-aheadbudget-friendlywhole-grains

Tender Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas with measured ingredients, 45-minute timing, 12-serving yield, and step-by-step instructions for toddler meals, snacks, and family cooking guidance.

Tender Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas
Prep 20 min
Cook 25 min
Total 45 min
Servings 12
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Latin American-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Total45 min
Servings12
Difficultyeasy
CuisineLatin American-Inspired
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Ingredients

Servings 12
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1/2 teaspoon mild ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon mild smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
  • a pinch sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon water or unsweetened plant milk
Tender Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegan Empanadas ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats
Tender Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegan Empanadas ingredients image for TinyTummyTreats

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Steam or boil the diced sweet potato until fork-tender (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and mash until smooth; set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and baking powder. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead gently 1-2 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Cover and let rest while preparing the filling.
  4. In another bowl, mix mashed sweet potato with rinsed black beans. Lightly mash the beans with a fork or potato masher to create a toddler-friendly soft texture, leaving some beans slightly whole for texture.
  5. Add cumin, smoked paprika, cilantro (if using), a pinch of sea salt (optional), and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the filling. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well.
  6. Divide dough into 12 equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each into a 4-5 inch circle.
  7. Place about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press edges firmly to seal. Crimp edges with a fork for decorative seal if desired.
  8. Place empanadas on prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush tops with water or unsweetened plant milk to help crust brown gently.
  9. Bake 20-25 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to ensure they’re safe and comfortable for toddler fingers and mouths.
  11. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a warm oven before serving.
Tender Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegan Empanadas process image for TinyTummyTreats
Tender Sweet Potato Black Bean Vegan Empanadas process image for TinyTummyTreats

Ingredient Replacements

  • cups whole wheat flour: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
  • teaspoon baking powder: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
  • tablespoons olive oil: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
  • cup warm water: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.
  • medium sweet potato: Swap with a toddler-safe alternative that keeps a similar moisture level and soft bite, then adjust water or cook time a little if the mixture feels dry or loose.

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