Embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant and diverse flavors of Bolivia as we explore the exquisite world of Salteñas. These delectable savory pastries, hailing from the heart of South America, are a true testament to Bolivia's rich culinary heritage. Bursting with flavorful fillings encased in a perfectly golden crust, Salteñas are a cherished snack enjoyed by locals and revered by food enthusiasts worldwide.

In this culinary escapade, we will delve into the art of creating the perfect Salteña, from the meticulous preparation of the savory dough to the harmonious blending of traditional ingredients that give these pastries their unique taste. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind crafting these savory treasures, and transport your taste buds to the bustling streets and home kitchens of Bolivia. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey as we share the steps to recreate the authentic taste of Bolivia's beloved Salteñas in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Filling:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup pitted green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup diced hard-boiled eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Dough Preparation: a. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. b. Gradually add warm water while kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. c. Incorporate vegetable shortening and continue kneading until well combined. d. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation: a. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. b. Sauté onions and garlic until softened. c. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned. d. Stir in diced potatoes, carrots, peas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender. e. Mix in raisins, olives, and diced hard-boiled eggs. Set aside.

Sauce Preparation: a. In a saucepan, whisk together beef broth, water, flour, sugar, and cayenne pepper. b. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

Assembly: a. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). b. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions. c. Roll out each portion into a thin, round disc. d. Place a generous spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each disc. e. Spoon a little sauce over the filling. f. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges to seal. g. Place the assembled Salteñas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking: a. Brush the tops of the Salteñas with beaten egg for a golden finish. b. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.

Serving: a. Allow the Salteñas to cool for a few minutes before serving. b. Enjoy these savory pastries as a delightful snack or light meal, and savor the unique flavors of Bolivia!

Nutritional Values

It's challenging to provide precise nutritional values without specific brand information and variations in ingredients, but here's an approximate breakdown for the given ingredients based on common nutritional databases:

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour (4 cups):

• Approximately 1600 calories
• 0g fat
• 336g carbohydrates
• 40g protein

benefits: A good source of carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein.

Warm water (1 cup):

• No significant calories or macronutrients

benefits: Essential for hydrating the dough and aiding in the gluten development.

Vegetable shortening (1 cup):

• Approximately 1840 calories
• 208g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein

benefits: Provides fat for texture and flavor in the dough.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible calories
• 0g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein

benefits: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough.

Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Approximately 49 calories
• 0g fat
• 12.6g carbohydrates
• 0g protein

benefits: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning during baking.

Beaten egg (for egg wash):

• Approximately 70 calories
• 5g fat
• 1g carbohydrates
• 6g protein

benefits: Creates a golden, shiny crust on the Salteñas.

For the Filling:

Lean ground beef (1 lb):

• Approximately 1160 calories
• 64g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 132g protein

benefits: High in protein, iron, and zinc

Diced potatoes (1 cup):

• Approximately 120 calories
• 0g fat
• 26g carbohydrates
• 3g protein

benefits: Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.

Diced carrots (1 cup):

• Approximately 52 calories
• 0g fat
• 12g carbohydrates
• 1g protein

benefits: Packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins.

Frozen peas (1 cup):

• Approximately 62 calories
• 0g fat
• 11g carbohydrates
• 4g protein

benefits: A good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins.

Finely chopped onion (1 cup):

• Approximately 46 calories
• 0g fat
• 11g carbohydrates
• 1g protein

benefits: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

Garlic, minced (2 cloves):

• Approximately 10 calories
• 0g fat
• 2g carbohydrates
• 0g protein

benefits: Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon):

• Approximately 120 calories
• 14g fat
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g protein

benefits: Provides healthy fats and enhances the sautéed ingredients.

Raisins (1/2 cup):

• Approximately 218 calories
• 0.5g fat
• 57g carbohydrates
• 2g protein

benefits: Adds natural sweetness and provides iron and fiber.

Pitted green olives, sliced (1/2 cup):

• Approximately 73 calories
• 7g fat
• 2g carbohydrates
• 1g protein

benefits: Imparts a savory and salty flavor to the filling.

Diced hard-boiled eggs (1/4 cup):

• Approximately 62 calories
• 4g fat
• 1g carbohydrates
• 6g protein

benefits: Adds protein and a creamy texture to the filling.

Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein

benefits: Enhances the savory flavor profile of the filling.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein

benefits: Adds a mild, smoky flavor to the filling.

Salt and pepper:

• Negligible calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein

benefits: Seasoning elements to balance and enhance the overall taste.

For the Sauce:

Beef broth (1 cup):

• Approximately 15 calories
• 0g fat
• 1g carbohydrates
• 2g protein

benefits: Adds a savory base to the sauce.

Water (1/2 cup):

• No significant calories or macronutrients

benefits: Helps achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.

Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Approximately 60 calories
• 0g fat
• 12g carbohydrates
• 2g protein

benefits: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.

Sugar (2 tablespoons):

• Approximately 96 calories
• 0g fat
• 24g carbohydrates
• 0g protein

benefits: Balances the savory flavors and adds a hint of sweetness.

Ground cayenne pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Negligible calories, fat, carbohydrates, and protein

benefits: Adds a spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the sauce.

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. It's always a good idea to refer to the nutrition labels on individual ingredients for more accurate information.