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Salteńas II

Origin: BolivianPeriod: Traditional

Salteñas II is a Bolivian egg-based baked preparation that draws upon the foundational pastry traditions of the Andean region, utilizing eggs, flour, and salt to produce a savory tart or quiche-style dish. Unlike the more widely recognized Bolivian salteña — a juicy baked empanada — this variant appears to represent a distinct regional or familial interpretation that emphasizes a layered or set egg filling within a simple flour-based crust. The dish reflects the broader South American tradition of adapting European pastry techniques to local culinary contexts, resulting in a modest yet satisfying savory bake. Its minimalist ingredient profile suggests origins in resourceful home cooking, where staple pantry items formed the basis of everyday meals.

Cultural Significance

Bolivia's culinary heritage is deeply influenced by indigenous Quechua and Aymara foodways as well as Spanish colonial contributions, and egg-based baked dishes occupy a humble but meaningful place in domestic cooking traditions across the Andean highlands. The precise historical lineage of this specific preparation is not well documented in major culinary literature, and its relationship to the more celebrated empanada-style salteña remains ambiguous. It is likely a localized or household variation passed through oral and familial tradition rather than formal culinary record.

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Prep15 min
Cook20 min
Total35 min
Servings4
Difficultyintermediate

Ingredients

  • 12 cups
  • ˝ cups lard or margarine (boiling)
    1 unit
  • 6 whole
  • ˝ cup Sugar
    1 unit
  • 3 teaspoons
  • ź cups lukewarm water (more or less)
    2 unit

Method

1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a round tart or baking dish with a small amount of butter or oil.
10 minutes
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt, then gradually work in a small amount of water or fat to form a firm, pliable dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
8 minutes
3
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to an even thickness of about 3mm and carefully press it into the prepared baking dish, trimming any excess from the edges.
5 minutes
4
Prick the base of the dough crust several times with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking, then blind bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
10 minutes
5
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them thoroughly with a pinch of salt until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.
3 minutes
6
Pour the whisked egg mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, ensuring the filling is distributed uniformly across the base.
2 minutes
7
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the egg filling is set, lightly golden on top, and no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
25 minutes
8
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
5 minutes