Last updated on October 6th, 2023 at 02:32 pm

As part of our celebration of traditional foods, Remitly is diving deep into the rich culinary history of our customers. Today, we are unveiling the secrets of one of Bolivia’s most iconic dishes: salteñas.

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, known for its diverse geography that includes the Andean mountain range, the Atacama Desert, and the Amazon rainforest. Its cultural heritage is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, evident in everything from its music to its cuisine.

History of Salteñas

Salteñas have long been a staple in Bolivian households, cherished not just as a food but as a symbol of Bolivia’s vibrant history.

Most believe that salteñas were inspired by a combination of Spanish and indigenous recipes, resulting in the perfect mid-morning snack that we know and love today.

##Salteñas: Meaning and Variations

The term “salteñas” originates from Salta, a region in Argentina. However, Bolivia has since adopted and transformed the dish into a distinctly Bolivian empanada.

There are variations of salteñas which can be found throughout Latin America, but the Bolivian salteñas have a unique flavor and consistency.

Salteñas vs Empanadas: The Difference

While both salteñas and empanadas are pastries filled with meat or chicken, they differ in preparation and taste.

Empanadas, a popular street food throughout Latin American countries, are often crispier. In contrast, Bolivian salteñas are juicy with a gelatinous filling, often requiring a careful bite to prevent spilling.

Common Ingredients

Salteñas boast a mix of ingredients that are both flavorful and aromatic.

These include ground beef or chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, diced bell pepper, black olives, paprika, achiote, cumin, oregano, and aji.

Classic Recipe for Bolivian Salteñas

To make authentic Bolivian salteñas, follow this guideline:

1. Preparation: Prep time is usually about 2 hours with a cook time of 20-25 minutes.
2. Begin by preparing the jigote, a stew-like filling. In a large bowl, mix diced chicken breast or ground beef with black pepper, paprika, ground cumin, achiote, and other spices. Add chicken broth or beef broth, ensuring that it’s thickened with unflavored gelatin.
3. For the dough, in another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, lard, egg yolks, and hot water. The dough should be smooth and pliable.
4. Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough, then cut into circles. Fill each with the jigote, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, and a slice of bell pepper.
6. Seal the edges, place on the baking sheet, and brush with an egg wash.
7. Bake until golden brown, then serve with llajua, a Bolivian spicy sauce.

3 Fascinating Facts about Salteñas

1. They are traditionally enjoyed as a mid-morning snack in Bolivia.
2. The ideal salteña should not leak its juices when bitten into.
3. They are rich in nutrients, including potassium, calcium, and carbohydrates, though they are also high in cholesterol.

Salteñas: Do They Really Come from Salta?

There’s an intriguing debate about the origin of salteñas. While some believe they come from Bolivia, others claim that they originate from Salta, Argentina.

The most popular story credits Juana Manuela Gorriti, a woman from Salta, with creating the first salteña recipe during her stay in Potosí, Bolivia.

More about Bolivian Cuisine

Bolivia’s culinary scene is vast and varied. From pollo (chicken) dishes to various breads and spicy sauces, Bolivian cuisine represents a fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences, making it a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.

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