Bolivian Salteñas are savory pastries with a rich history and unique flavor. Featuring a slightly sweet, flaky dough and a flavorful filling of meat, vegetables, and spices, Salteñas are a popular Bolivian breakfast or snack.
Originating from the city of Salta in Argentina, Salteñas were brought to Bolivia by 19th-century migrants. Influenced by Spanish empanadas, they evolved with local flavors, including a touch of sweetness in the dough and a distinctive savory filling. Salteñas are now cherished both in Bolivia and by Bolivian communities worldwide.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vegetable shortening or lard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) beef or chicken, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 boiled eggs, sliced
- ¼ cup pitted olives, sliced
- ½ cup cooked peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the vegetable shortening or lard, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add meat, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and cooked through.
- Stir in peas, olives, and sliced boiled eggs. Cool completely.
3. Assemble and Shape:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide dough into small portions. Roll out each portion into a circle.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold and seal edges, twisting to create a rope-like design.
4. Bake:
- Place Salteñas on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, accompanied by aji sauce or salsa.
Notes:
- Experiment with fillings such as vegetarian or seafood options.
- Adjust spices according to taste preferences.
- Traditionally enjoyed with hot tea or coffee.
Nutrition Value:
1. For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Calories: 1,840
- Carbohydrates: 400g
- Protein: 52g
- Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium (small amounts)
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy and carbohydrates; a source of some minerals and protein.
- ½ cup vegetable shortening or lard
- Calories: 900
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 100g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg (vegetable shortening) / 50mg (lard)
- Vitamins: Vitamin A (in lard)
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds fat for a flaky texture; vegetable shortening has no cholesterol, while lard provides vitamin A.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2,300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for flavor; helps with hydration and muscle function.
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Calories: 96
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and energy.
- 1 cup warm water
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Hydration; helps with dough consistency.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds protein, vitamins, and helps with browning.
2. For the Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) beef or chicken, finely chopped
- Calories: 700 (beef) / 450 (chicken)
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 60g (beef) / 40g (chicken)
- Fat: 50g (beef) / 10g (chicken)
- Sodium: 70mg (beef) / 60mg (chicken)
- Cholesterol: 150mg (beef) / 90mg (chicken)
- Vitamins: Vitamin B12, Niacin (beef); Vitamin B6, Niacin (chicken)
- Minerals: Iron, Zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential nutrients; beef provides more fat and cholesterol, while chicken is leaner.
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Potassium, Manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Calories: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides flavor, antioxidants, and potential health benefits.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and nutrients, including iron.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Fat: 0.3g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin K
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and nutrients, including antioxidants.
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Calories: 16
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds fat for flavor and texture; source of vitamin E.
- 2 boiled eggs, sliced
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Cholesterol: 370mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin D, B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, Phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
- ¼ cup pitted olives, sliced
- Calories: 35
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin E
- Minerals: Iron, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and healthy fats, along with minerals.
- ½ cup cooked peas
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin K
- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salt: Adds sodium; Pepper: Minimal calories, contributes flavor and antioxidants.
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