Recipes from Bolivia: Pukacapas (Spicy Cheese Empanadas)

Recipes from Bolivia


Pukacapas (Spicy Cheese Empanadas)

Country: Bolivia
Course: Appetizer
Makes: 8 to 12 servings



For the dough:

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on top)

For the filling:

  • 1 large onion, minced
  • 1 red jalapeno, minced
  • 1 green jalapeno, minced
  • 1 tomato, minced
  • 1 green onion
  • 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups queso fresco, crumbled

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan and put everything except for the cheese into the hot oil. Saute for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. Then take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheese.
  2. While the filling is cooking, make the dough. Blend all the dry ingredients with the butter, then add the milk and eggs. Blend until you get a smooth dough.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough until it is pretty thin and cut into circular shapes.
  4. To assemble, drop the filling into the middle of one of the dough rounds, leaving enough space to join the two pieces of dough. Cover the filling with another piece of dough, then moisten the edges a little with water and pinch together.
  5. Cut small slits in the top of each pastry to vent.
  6. Beat the egg and use it to brush the tops of the pukacapas. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden.