Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

This recipe would be perfect for a hearty hors de ouvres party. I would even serve these as a main dish as they are quite hearty. There is a little work involved, so give yourself time! You will love these!

Makes 10 ( 1 empanada = 6 points +)

• 2 c. flour
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 c. canola oil
• 1/4 c. water
• 1 T. cider vinegar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 poblano chile
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 c. mashed cooked sweet potatoes
• 1 c. canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/3 c. chopped green onions
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp. ancho chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Combine flour with 3/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl.
Combine canola oil, water, vinegar and eg in a medium bowl. Add oil mixture to flour mixture, stirring until moist. Knead lightly until smooth. Shape dough into a ball and wrap in plastic. Chill for 1 hour.

Preheat broiler. Place poblano on a foil lined baking sheet. Broil for 8 minutes or until blackened, turning once. Place poblano in a paper bag and let stand for 15 minutes. Peel chile, cut in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Finely chop chile.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine cumin, poblano, sweet potatoes and next 5 ingredients ( through salt) in a large bowl; mash until almost smooth. Divide dough into 10 equal portions and roll each into a 5 inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
Spoon poblano mixture into the center of each circle. Moisten edges of dough with egg white, fold over and crimp edges.
Place empanadas on a baking sheet coated with nonstick spray. Bake for 16 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.

"Cooking Light"