Chamorro Empanada

My mom taught me how to make Chamorro Empanadas when I was a little kid. We made this recipe at least once a month for years.

Now it’s time to teach and pass this recipe to my little daughter. I feel like this is a cherished family tradition. Making Chamorro Empanadas is truly enjoyable, and we always have a great time in the kitchen. You should definitely try it too.

The recipe is not that hard. First, you make the dough, and then you prepare the filling. You have so many options to try! I use chicken because I prefer it over beef, but you can also use pork or even shrimp.

You can bake the empanadas or fry them; it’s really up to you. Both methods will lead to a delicious taste that the whole family will love.

What is Chamorro Empanada?

Chamorro Empanada is a crunchy pastry made in the Chamorro style, originating from the Mariana Islands. A golden crust filled with a delicious mixture of any meat you prefer, vegetables, and spices. This Chamorro Empanada is a great snack you can make and enjoy anytime you desire a crunchy pastry with some filling inside, Also you can bake them or even fry them, It’s up to you.

Ingredients

The Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter, diced
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup cold water

The Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 potato, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil

How to Make Chamorro Empanada?

Prepare the Dough:

Step 1:

First, let’s get our big mixing bowl. We’re going to add flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, add some butter. We’ll use our fingers to squish it into the flour until it looks like tiny crumbs.

Step 2:

Next, we’ll take a smaller bowl and crack an egg. Let’s whisk it up with some cold water. Slowly, we’ll pour this eggy water into our flour mix. Stir it gently until it becomes dough. If it feels too dry, we can add a little more water.

Step 3:

Now, we’re going to roll up our sleeves and knead the dough. After that, we’ll wrap it up in plastic and pop it in the fridge for a little nap.

Prepare the Filling:

Step 1:

Time to cook up some yummy filling! We’ll need a big pan for this. Let’s turn on the stove and heat some oil. Once it’s warm, we’ll add our chicken. We’ll cook it until it’s crumbly.

Step 2:

Now, let’s add in some chopped onions, garlic, colorful bell peppers, potatoes, and carrots. We’ll cook them until they’re soft and smell so good. Next, we’ll toss in some frozen peas, tomato sauce, and special spices. We’ll let it simmer for a bit and then let it cool down.

Assemble the Empanadas:

Step 1:

Our dough has rested, and our filling is ready. Now, let’s preheat the oven. We’ll roll out our dough into little circles, like making tiny pizzas. In the middle of each circle, we’ll spoon some of our tasty filling.

Step 2:

Fold the dough over the filling, and press the edges with a fork to keep everything snug inside.

Step 3:

Now, we have two options to cook our empanadas. We can fry them in a pan with some hot oil until they’re crispy on both sides. Or, we can bake them in the oven until they turn brown.

Step 4:

You can enjoy them hot with some dipping sauce or just as they are. Enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Large skillet
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Fork
• Knife

Helpful Tips!

• Don’t forget to keep the dough chilled while working with it. This helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly.
• Be careful not to overfill the empanadas. Too much filling can cause the dough to leak during cooking.
• While the traditional filling for Chamorro Empanadas includes ground beef or chicken, you can use different fillings like shredded pork, or even a vegetarian filling with beans and cheese.

What to Serve with this Chamorro Empanada?

Chamorro Empanadas can be paired with a lot of sides and drinks. you can serve them with some tangy coleslaw, or with Maple Rosemary Chicken for a complete dinner. You can also add a side of Spanish rice or garlic mashed potatoes. If you love spicy food you can use some Datil Pepper Sauce on it and enjoy a hot crunchy meal

For drinks, consider pairing the empanadas with a cold glass of coconut water, or a Gin Rickey Cocktail.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, You can use beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or even make a vegetarian filling.

How do I store leftover empanadas?

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze the empanadas?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled empanadas before cooking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.

Should I bake or fry the empanadas?

You can do either! Baking results in a lighter, less oily empanada, while frying gives a crispier crust.

Conclusion

Chamorro Empanada is a great crusty snack or side you can make at home, With its tasty filling and lots of customization options, this recipe is a must-try in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, and make yours, Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and be sure to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes.