n a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water for egg wash and set aside.
Food processor dough method: Process the oil, vinegar, flour and salt a few seconds until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add in the egg and pulse a few times. Drop by drop add the water, processing very briefly. The whole process would take 20 to 30 seconds. Wrap and chill the pastry for at least 1 hour.
By hand dough method: Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Combine canola oil, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and egg in a medium bowl. Gradually add oil mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist. Knead lightly until smooth. Shape dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 1 hour.
*If you are adding chile: Preheat broiler. Place poblano on a foil-lined baking sheet; broil 8 minutes or until blackened, turning after 6 minutes. Place in a paper bag; close tightly. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel chile; cut in half lengthwise. Discard seeds and membranes. Finely chop.
Preheat oven to 400°.
In a large bowl, combine cumin, poblano (I omitted the pepper), sweet potatoes, and next 6 ingredients (through 1/2 teaspoon salt) in a large bowl; mash with a fork until almost smooth.
Divide dough into 10 equal portions, shaping each into a ball. Roll each dough portion into a (5-inch) circle on a lightly floured surface.
Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to keep from drying), spoon about 2 level tablespoons sweet potato mixture into center of each circle (make it where you can close the empanada and not have it squish out).
Moisten edges of dough with egg wash; fold dough over filling. Press edges together to seal. Brush empanadas with the egg wash. Place empanadas on a large baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cut 3 diagonal slits across top of each empanada. Bake at 400° for 16 minutes or until lightly browned.