Certainly! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Bolivian cuisine with a recipe for “Mighty Salteñas” (Salteñas de Graciela), a beloved pastry filled with seasoned ground beef and a burst of flavors! These hand-held pockets of goodness are perfect for a snack, a meal on the go, or a delightful addition to any gathering.
Mighty Salteñas (Salteñas de Graciela)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 Salteñas
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 3 | Eggs |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 2/3 cup | Butter, melted |
| 1 tsp | Sugar |
| 3 cups | Warm water |
| 1 lb | Ground beef |
| 1 cup | Salsa |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra flavor boost, consider sautéing some diced onion and minced garlic with the beef.
- Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and melted butter. Mix well until the butter is evenly distributed.
- Add the eggs to the flour mixture, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Dissolve the salt and sugar in the warm water, creating a seasoned liquid.
- Gradually add the seasoned water to the flour mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
3. Shape the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface or cutting board.
- Knead the dough gently, incorporating more flour as needed, until it is smooth and no longer sticky.
- Divide the dough into 30 equal portions, shaping each into a small ball.
4. Assemble the Salteñas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a small circle, about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Aim for a thickness similar to a tortilla.
5. Fill and Seal:
- Spoon 1-2 heaping tablespoons of the cooked ground beef onto the center of each dough circle.
- Moisten the outer edge of the dough circle with a bit of water to help with sealing.
- Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
- Using a fork, crimp the edges of each Salteña to ensure they are tightly sealed shut.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled Salteñas on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- These Mighty Salteñas are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven.
- Serve alongside a bowl of your favorite salsa for dipping or drizzling.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Salteña):
- Calories: 232.9
- Total Fat: 14.4g
- Saturated Fat: 4.6g
- Cholesterol: 42.3mg
- Sodium: 51.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.7g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 6.1g
Tips and Tricks:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time, assembling the Salteñas when ready to bake.
- Freezing Instructions: Once assembled, the Salteñas can be frozen before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize the Filling: Get creative with your filling! Try variations with shredded chicken, diced potatoes, olives, or hard-boiled eggs for a twist on tradition.
- Sealing Techniques: If you’re new to sealing pastries, use a fork to press the edges firmly together. This ensures a tight seal, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Serve with Love: Whether as a snack, appetizer, or meal, these Mighty Salteñas are sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant flavors of Bolivia!
There you have it! A recipe for Mighty Salteñas (Salteñas de Graciela) that’s bursting with flavor, tradition, and a touch of homemade goodness. Share these savory pockets of joy with friends and family, and savor each delicious bite! 🥟✨
