Thursday’s Side Dish: Spam Kelaguen

Mash the meat, then add to it for a treat

We’ve discussed chicken kelaguen in a previous post. Now, we’re showing off—another Guam favorite-- Spam kelaguen. A version of the traditional recipe calls for the juice of 2 lemons, some diced red onion, black pepper, and 1 (12 oz) Spam loaf that been roughly mashed with a fork. Also, add two diced hot peppers and mix well. It’s a yummy Guamanian treat with an all-American twist. The tangy lemon juice and black pepper enhances the savory meat’s flavors. If you prepare this dish, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or even overnight. Kelaguen tastes better with extra time for the flavors to combine and mature. We also suggest serving Spam kelaguen with corn or flour tortillas.