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20. Bolivian Meat Saltenas1

Bolivian Meat Saltena Recipe

5 from 1 vote
The Bolivian Meat Salteñas Recipe is a delicious dish that is popular in Bolivia. It is a type of savory pastry that is filled with a flavorful mixture of diced beef, vegetables, and spices.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Bolivian
Calories:

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb beef diced finely
  • 5 cups beef broth
  • 2 gelatin sheets
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 onions or red, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 bell pepper chopped
  • 1 chili pepper chopped
  • 2 tablespoons parsley minced
  • 2 habaneros minced (you can omit this chili pepper, use ground chili pepper, or use whatever you have on hand)
  • 6 oz. peas cooked
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 4 potato peeled and diced (250g, about 9 ounces)
  • 1-1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons gelatin unflavored
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 2 eggs hard-boiled peeled and diced
  • 10 black olives pitted
  • 20 green olives pitted
  • Salt
Dough:
  • 4 cups flour
  • 3/4 cups suga
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons urucú achiote cannot be substituted
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup water

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • wooden spoon
  • knife
  • Cutting board
  • Rolling Pin
  • Brush (for egg wash, optional)

Method
 

  1. a. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. b. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant.
  3. c. Add the diced beef to the pot and cook it until it is browned on all sides.
  4. d. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let the beef cook in the broth until it becomes tender.
  5. e. In a separate bowl, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for a few minutes until they soften.
  6. f. Once the gelatin sheets are soft, remove them from the water and squeeze out any excess liquid. Add the gelatin sheets to the pot and stir until they dissolve completely.
  7. g. Add the chopped bell pepper, chili pepper, minced parsley, minced habaneros (if using), cooked peas, raisins, diced potatoes, sugar, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  8. h. Simmer the filling mixture over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  9. i. In a small bowl, dissolve the unflavored gelatin in water. Add this mixture to the pot and stir it in.
  10. j. Lastly, add the diced hard-boiled eggs, black olives, and green olives to the filling mixture. Stir gently to distribute them evenly.
Prepare the Dough.
  1. a. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. b. In a separate bowl, mix the urucú (achiote), egg yolk, lard (or butter), and water until well combined.
  3. c. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.
  4. d. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. e. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
Assemble the Salteñas.
  1. a. Take a portion of the dough and roll it out into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
  2. b. Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the dough circle.
  3. c. Fold one side of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
  4. d. Use your fingers to pinch and seal the edges of the dough, making sure the filling is completely enclosed.
  5. e. Place the assembled Salteña on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. f. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until you have used them all.
Bake the Salteñas.
  1. a. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. b. Brush the tops of the Salteñas with beaten egg yolk for a shiny finish (optional).
  3. c. Bake the Salteñas in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy.
  1. a. Remove the Salteñas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  2. b. Serve the Salteñas warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
  3. c. Enjoy the savory flavors and delightful textures of the Bolivian Meat Salteñas!

Notes

Roll the dough thin to ensure a crispier texture.
Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
Seal the edges of the Salteñas firmly to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
Experiment with different fillings by adding ingredients like cheese or vegetables for variety.
Brush the tops of the Salteñas with beaten egg yolk for a glossy appearance.
Serve the Salteñas warm for the most enjoyable eating experience.
Prepare the filling in advance to save time on the day of baking.