Crispy Southwestern Veggie Egg Rolls
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Southwest in these delightful Crispy Southwestern Veggie Egg Rolls. Inspired by the beloved Chili's appetizer, these homemade rolls are packed with hearty black beans, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in a golden fried tortilla. Perfect for game day, parties or casual get-togethers, these egg rolls are sure to impress your family and friends. Dip them in salsa or ranch dressing for an unforgettable experience!
4
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Refried black beans
0.5 (12 ounce) can (canned)
Black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
Frozen spinach
0.5 (10 ounce) package (defrosted and water squeezed out)
Fresh tomatoes
2 medium (small diced)
Fresh cilantro
0.5 bunch (chopped)
Green onions
4 (finely chopped)
Whole kernel corn
1 (12 ounce) can (optional, drained)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Flour tortillas
as needed (small size)
Vegetable oil
for frying (as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the refried black beans, black beans, defrosted spinach, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions. If using, add corn to the mixture.
2
Sprinkle in the cumin, salt, pepper, and both cheeses. Mix until well combined.
3
Warm the small flour tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave to make them pliable.
4
Place a couple of heaping tablespoons of the mixture in the center of each tortilla.
5
Fold the sides of the tortilla in, then roll it tightly like a burrito. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
6
In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat, enough to cover at least half of the egg rolls when placed in the pan.
7
Carefully add the egg rolls to the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown on one side, then gently flip them to brown the other side.
8
Once cooked, remove the egg rolls and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
9
Cut each egg roll diagonally in half and arrange them on a serving platter with your choice of dipping sauces like ranch or salsa.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
50
Carbs
13.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Southwestern Veggie Egg Rolls?
These are homemade egg rolls inspired by the Chili's appetizer, featuring black beans, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese inside a fried flour tortilla.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, these egg rolls are filled with beans, vegetables, and cheese, making them a vegetarian-friendly snack or appetizer.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of beans are used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of canned refried black beans and drained whole black beans.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
You should use frozen spinach that has been defrosted and thoroughly squeezed to remove excess water.
Can I add corn to these egg rolls?
Yes, you can add a 12-ounce can of drained whole kernel corn to the mixture if desired.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
A blend of grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides the best flavor and melt.
What type of tortillas should be used?
Small flour tortillas are used instead of traditional egg roll wrappers for this southwestern version.
How do I make the tortillas easier to roll?
Warming the tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave makes them more pliable and less likely to tear.
How do I roll the egg rolls correctly?
Place the filling in the center, fold the sides in, and then roll tightly like a burrito.
How do I keep the egg rolls from opening while frying?
You can secure the tortillas with toothpicks if they do not stay closed on their own.
What oil is best for frying these?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying as it has a high smoke point.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should use enough oil to cover at least half of the egg rolls when they are placed in the skillet.
How long do I fry the egg rolls?
Fry them until they are golden brown on one side, then flip to brown the other side.
How should I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the cooked egg rolls on paper towels immediately after removing them from the hot oil.
What are the best dipping sauces for these egg rolls?
Ranch dressing or salsa are the most popular choices for dipping these southwestern rolls.
How should the egg rolls be cut for serving?
Cutting each egg roll diagonally in half makes for an attractive presentation on a serving platter.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content?
This recipe provides about 13.3 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving in these egg rolls.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you should sauté it first and squeeze out the moisture to avoid a soggy filling.
Can these be made in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8-10 minutes until crispy, spraying them lightly with oil first.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they are golden and crispy.
Are these egg rolls spicy?
They are mildly flavored with cumin, but you can add jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How should I reheat them?
To maintain crispiness, reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the bean and vegetable mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While this is a veggie recipe, you could easily add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef.
What spices are used?
The primary spice used is ground cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste.
What fresh herbs are included?
The recipe calls for a half bunch of fresh chopped cilantro and four finely chopped green onions.