Chilean “chaparritas” sandwiches are an ideal choice at any time of the day. They are easy and quick to prepare, making them an excellent idea for parties, birthdays, and gatherings with family and friends.
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How to Make Chaparritas?
Chilean “chaparritas” use the same dough as empanadas. When freshly baked with melted cheese, whether closed or open, they become one of the favorite sandwiches for people of all ages on any occasion.
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of Chilean chaparritas contains approximately 420 kcal, 40 g of carbohydrates, 22 g of fats (12 g saturated), 15 g of proteins, 2 g of fiber, 3 g of sugars, 40 mg of cholesterol, and 450 mg of sodium.
Recipe for Sausage & Cheese Chaparritas
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 500 g of self-rising flour
- 300 ml of hot water
- 125 g of lard or butter
- 125 g of creamy cheese
- 100 ml of milk
- 6 sausages
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 egg yolk
Preparation Steps
- Sift the flour into a medium bowl, create a well in the center, and add melted lard or butter, hot water, and salt. Knead until well combined, and the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 6 portions and roll each out on a floured surface to form rectangles slightly longer than a sausage, about 3 to 5 millimeters thick.
- Wrap each sausage with a piece of cheese inside the dough rectangles, then seal the ends, like a long empanada. Pierce the surface twice with a fork. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) for at least 10 minutes.
- Mix the milk and egg yolk, and brush each “chaparrita” with the mixture. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are golden. Serve the “chaparritas” with sausage and cheese immediately while they are warm, either as a sandwich, snack, or even a main course.
Origin of Chaparritas
The “chaparrita” is probably the most successful adaptation derived from the Chilean fondness for completos (hot dogs). Its popularity solidified in the early 21st century, and its availability has made it a very accessible product.
Did You Know?
There is no clarity about the origin of its name, but the most direct reference is the use of the word “chaparrita” in Mexico, meaning something small or of reduced size, which may have been associated with its flattened shape at some point in the 20th century.
