Empanadas in the Philippines is a Spanish influence that's very much alive today. In Northern Philippines, frying is the only way it's cooked, with different ingredients according to which town they came from.
Sinait version, further north of Ilocos Sur
I would have thought that in just one province, the ingredients will be the same. More so with its' wrapper as I am used to the natural color usually seen in Vigan.
Food-coloured wrapper dough.
the Ingredients
Young Papaya
I found that the only different ingredient is the grated raw papaya or pawpaw. Compared to the steamed mangetout, where it is always used in an Ilocano empanada.
1 or 2 eggs in each piece
The number is according to one's taste. For a few pesos more, you can request to add another as I did seeing there's only 1 egg per piece.
Longganisa
Longganisa is the Filipino version of a sausage which the taste is different all over the Philippines. The Ilocano version is not sweet compared to the Southern Pampanga version.
I am very biased in saying that the Ilocano version is the best in the Philippines! Although my friends from Cebu will say otherwise.
Partly cooked with the wrapper removed.
the Vigan version
Instead of young papaya, cabbage and carrots are used, including bell peppers. Or papaya can still be mixed with the lot, the more, the tastier or depending in one's taste.
the End product
It's crunchy! Can I dare tempt you???
It's not that noticeable but the papaya gave it a different taste to the Vigan version. Plus, the taste of longganisa.
As a child, going to the market with my aunt meant just buying our longganisas from one person, and when with my mom, it will be from a different person. Don't get me started with one of my sisters' version!
What's funny is that, Ilocano longganisas taste differently. Although the ingredients will be the same, the taste differs.
Ilocano longganisa can't be missed when in VIGAN...one doesn't simply leave without trying it. And of course, try an Ilocos empanada!
All images are mine and are original, taken with my Samsung Galaxy S7.
