Main Course · Snack · Lunch · Dinner · Latin American ·

Bolivian Salteñas

Name: Bolivian Salteñas
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 280 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 1/2 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon gelatin powder; 1 teaspoon ground achiote (or annatto powder); 1 pound ground beef or chicken; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped; 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped; 1/4 cup raisins; 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth, gelatinous; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups beef or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon gelatin powder; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon milk

Bolivian Salteñas are a delightful pastry filled with a luscious mix of spiced meat, potatoes, and spices, baked to golden perfection.

4.5(742 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 6, 2025

Bolivian Salteñas — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h 10 min

Cook

3 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Filling

For the Gelatinous Broth

For the Egg Wash

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 342 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Carbs: 35.08 g
Fat: 14.83 g
Fiber: 2.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4100 kcal
Protein: 180 g
Carbs: 421 g
Fat: 178 g
Fiber: 30 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
3 cups all-purpose flour	1365	36	273	3	9
1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed	810	1	0	92	0
1/2 cup warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon sugar	49	0	12	0	0
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon gelatin powder	23	6	0	0	0
1 teaspoon ground achiote (or annatto powder)	5	0	1	0	1
1 pound ground beef or chicken	960	88	0	64	0
2 medium potatoes peeled and diced	310	8	72	0	8
1 cup frozen peas	117	8	21	1	7
1/2 cup onions finely chopped	32	1	7	0	1
2 hard-boiled eggs chopped	156	13	2	11	0
1/4 cup raisins	108	1	29	0	2
1/2 cup beef or chicken broth gelatinous	15	2	0	1	0
1 teaspoon cumin	8	0	1	0	1
1 teaspoon paprika	6	0	1	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
2 cups beef or chicken broth	30	3	0	1	0
1 tablespoon gelatin powder	23	6	0	0	0
1 egg	78	6	1	5	0
1 tablespoon milk	9	0	1	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Dough

1
Sift Dry Ingredients
Sift flour into a large bowl.
2
Combine Dry Ingredients
Add sugar, salt, and achiote; mix well.
3
Incorporate Butter
Rub in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4
Add Gelatin Mixture
Dissolve gelatin in warm water; gradually add to flour mixture, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
5
Chill Dough
Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Filling

1
Brown the Meat
In a large pan, cook the ground beef or chicken until browned.
2
Cook Vegetables
Add onions, potatoes, peas, and cook until potatoes are tender.
3
Season Filling
Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4
Add Eggs and Raisins
Mix in the chopped eggs and raisins.
5
Incorporate Broth
Add gelatinous broth and mix until evenly distributed. Chill filling in the refrigerator.
Tip: Ensure that the filling is cold and set before assembling salteñas. Prepare the filling a day ahead to enhance the flavors.

How to Make Bolivian Salteñas

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Assembling
Roll out dough into circles, fill with prepared meat and vegetable mixture, and fold edges to seal.
2
Egg Wash
Brush the top of sealed Salteñas with egg wash for a golden finish.
3
Baking
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.