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Salteñas are a popular Bolivian street food that resembles a juicy, savory empanada. They’re stuffed with a rich mixture of meat, potatoes, peas, eggs, and spices, all encased in a slightly sweet, flaky crust. And the best part? You can make them for under $5!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Salteñas
- Affordable: Costs less than $5 for a batch of 6-8 salteñas.
- Unique Flavors: Combines sweet, savory, and spicy elements.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a hearty snack.
- Great for Freezing: Make a large batch and freeze for later!
Want to learn more about Bolivian cuisine? Check out this guide from Atlas Obscura.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4-6, Cost: $4.80)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ($0.50)
- 1/2 lb ground beef or chicken ($1.50)
- 1 large potato, diced ($0.40)
- 1/2 cup peas ($0.30)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ($0.40)
- 1 onion, finely chopped ($0.20)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter ($0.20)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ($0.10)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin ($0.10)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Negligible)
Want an authentic recipe? Check out this Salteñas recipe from Eat Peru.
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, oil/butter, salt, and water to form a dough. Knead and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Filling: In a skillet, cook onions until soft. Add ground beef or chicken, potatoes, peas, and spices. Cook until everything is well combined and cooked through. Add boiled eggs and let cool.
- Shape the Salteñas: Divide the dough into small balls. Roll each ball into a circle, place filling in the center, and fold over to form a half-moon shape. Seal edges well.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place salteñas on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy with hot sauce or chimichurri if desired.
Looking for more tips? Read this guide from The Spruce Eats.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flour | $0.50 |
| Beef/Chicken | $1.50 |
| Potato | $0.40 |
| Peas | $0.30 |
| Eggs | $0.40 |
| Onion | $0.20 |
| Oil/Butter | $0.20 |
| Paprika | $0.10 |
| Cumin | $0.10 |
| Total Cost | $4.80 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Salteñas
- Seal the edges well to prevent leakage during baking.
- Adjust spices to your taste for extra heat or richness.
- Use chicken instead of beef for a lighter filling.
For more Bolivian recipes, visit Bolivian Recipes.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
Bolivian Salteñas are a delicious, budget-friendly treat you can enjoy anytime. Whether you make them for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, these little pockets of flavor are sure to impress.
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
