Salteña Supremo Recipe

The Salteña is a renowned Bolivian pastry that delights taste buds with its unique blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. This delectable treat traces its origins back to the early 19th century, credited to Juana Manuela Gorriti, a political refugee from Salta, Argentina. Her inventive culinary skills led to the creation of the beloved Salteña, which has become a staple in Bolivian cuisine. The beauty of the Salteña lies in its perfectly crafted dough and its juicy filling that overflows with a symphony of flavors.

Ingredients

• Flour - 4 cups
• Chicken - 2 breasts, cooked and shredded
• Beef - 250g, minced
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Potato - 2, boiled and diced
• Peas - 1 cup
• Red Bell Pepper - 1, chopped
• Gelatin - 1 tablespoon
• Paprika - 1 tablespoon
• Cumin - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Water - 2 cups
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Butter - 1/2 cup, melted
• Olives - 1/2 cup, pitted
• Raisin - 1/4 cup
• Hot Sauce - 1 tablespoon (optional)

Preparation Steps

Making the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, a pinch of salt, and sugar.
2. Add butter and a cup of water. Knead the mixture until you obtain a smooth dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper until soft.
2. Add minced beef and cook until brown.
3. Mix in shredded chicken, potatoes, peas, olives, and raisins.
4. Season with paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir well.
5. In a separate bowl, dissolve gelatin in a cup of water and add to the mixture along with hot sauce if using.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes and let the filling cool.

Assembling the Salteñas

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the dough and cut it into circles about 15 cm in diameter.
3. Place a generous spoonful of the filling onto each circle.
4. Brush the edges with beaten egg to seal. Fold over to form a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to secure.
5. Brush the tops with more beaten egg for a golden finish.

Cooking the Salteñas

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Use a cooking timer to ensure precise cooking time.

Enjoying Your Salteña Supremo

The Salteña can be enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a delightful snack, or a festive appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a chilled drink or traditional Bolivian beverages like chicha or mocochinchi. Savor each bite, taking care to capture the symphony of flavors within the crisp, golden pastry.