Indulge in the flavors of the Pacific with Guam Empanadas, a culinary delight that encapsulates the vibrant essence of Guam's cuisine. These savory hand-held pastries boast a golden, flaky crust filled with a tantalizing mixture of seasoned ground meat, diced vegetables, and aromatic spices. Traditionally fried to perfection, each bite offers a symphony of flavors that awaken the taste buds, leaving you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a satisfying snack or a hearty meal, Guam Empanadas promise a taste of tropical paradise in every bite.

Here's a recipe for Guam Empanadas:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 medium carrot, diced into small cubes
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• Oil for frying (if frying)

Instructions:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

3- While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

4- Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

5- Stir in the diced potato and carrot, and cook for a few minutes until slightly softened. Add the frozen peas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

6- Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly. Stir in the shredded cheese until well combined.

7- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking the empanadas.

8- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.

9- Place a spoonful of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp the edges with a fork.

10- If frying, heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

11- If baking, place the filled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with beaten egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

12- Serve the Guam Empanadas hot, either as a snack or a main dish, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Guam Empanadas recipe:

All-Purpose Flour (3 cups):

• Calories: 1140
• Total Fat: 0.6g
• Carbohydrates: 237g
• Protein: 33g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein for muscle repair and growth.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 814
• Total Fat: 92g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, and provides essential fatty acids for brain health.

Cold Water (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Essential for hydration and helps regulate body temperature.

Egg (1):

• Calories: 72
• Total Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.4g
• Protein: 6g

benefits:Excellent source of high-quality protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats and provides vitamin E, an antioxidant important for immune function.

Onion (1 small):

• Calories: 44
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 10.4g
• Protein: 1.2g
• Fiber: 1.7g

benefits:Rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that may reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 8
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8g
• Protein: 0.4g

benefits:Known for its medicinal properties, garlic is high in antioxidants and may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

Ground Beef or Pork (1 pound):

• Calories: 900-1100 (depending on fat content)
• Total Fat: 75-85g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 60-70g

benefits:Rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and overall health.

Potato (1 medium):

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:High in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, potatoes support heart health, digestion, and immune function.

Carrot (1 medium):

• Calories: 25
• Total Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fiber: 1.5g

benefits:A great source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and important for vision, immune function, and skin health.

Frozen Peas (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 35
• Total Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 2.5g
• Fiber: 2.5g

benefits:Rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, peas support digestion, heart health, and may aid in weight management.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 28g

benefits:Provides calcium and protein for bone and muscle health, and contains vitamin B12 for nerve function and energy production.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific ingredients used.