Pukacapas: Spicy Cheese Empanadas
Experience the vibrant flavors of Bolivia with these delicious Pukacapas, or spicy cheese empanadas. This recipe, inspired by traditional Bolivian cuisine, features a perfect blend of sautéed vegetables and creamy queso fresco enveloped in a flaky, golden pastry. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, these empanadas are a wonderful introduction to Bolivian gastronomy, making them a must-try for any food lover's journey around the world. Whether served as a starter, main dish, or party snack, Pukacapas are sure to impress with their inviting aroma and delightful taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
3 cups (all-purpose, sifted)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (fresh)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
butter
1/3 cup (unsalted, softened)
eggs
2 (large, one beaten for brushing)
milk
1/3 cup (whole milk)
onion
1 large (minced)
red jalapeño chile
1 (minced, seeds removed for less heat)
green jalapeño
1 (minced, seeds removed for less heat)
tomato
1 (minced, seeds removed)
green onion
1 (minced)
parsley
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
green olives
1/2 cup (chopped)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
egg
1 (beaten for brushing)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pukacapas?
Pukacapas are traditional Bolivian spicy cheese empanadas known for their vibrant flavor and flaky pastry.
What is the origin of Pukacapas?
Pukacapas originate from Bolivia and are a staple of Bolivian gastronomy.
What type of cheese is typically used in Pukacapas?
This recipe features creamy queso fresco as the primary cheese filling.
Are Pukacapas spicy?
Yes, they are characterized by their spiciness, achieved here using both red and green jalape%o chiles.
How can I reduce the heat in this recipe?
To reduce the spice level, you can remove the seeds from the red and green jalape%o chiles before mincing them.
What ingredients are needed for the Pukacapa dough?
The dough requires 3 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, eggs, and 1/3 cup of whole milk.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes minced onion, red and green jalape%os, tomato, green onion, and garlic cloves.
Is there any fruit or special addition in the filling?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped green olives to add a unique briny flavor.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Freshly chopped parsley is used to season the vegetable mixture.
How many eggs are required in total?
A total of 3 large eggs are used: 2 for the dough and 1 beaten egg specifically for brushing the pastry.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
Sifted all-purpose flour is recommended for the pastry dough.
Should the butter be cold or softened?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of softened, unsalted butter.
Is milk required for the dough?
Yes, 1/3 cup of whole milk is used to help bind the dough ingredients.
What is the purpose of brushing the empanadas with egg?
Brushing the empanadas with a beaten egg before baking gives them a beautiful, golden, and shiny finish.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Tomatoes should be minced and have their seeds removed to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Can Pukacapas be served as a main dish?
Yes, they are versatile and can be served as a starter, a main dish, or a party snack.
What oil is best for saut%eing the vegetables?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for saut%eing the filling ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 distinct ingredients used to make these Bolivian empanadas.
Are the olives pitted?
The recipe calls for chopped green olives; ensure they are pitted before chopping and adding to the filling.
What makes the pastry flaky?
The combination of flour, baking powder, and softened butter creates the characteristic flaky, golden pastry.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one large onion, finely minced.
Is the garlic minced or crushed?
The recipe specifically requires 2 minced garlic cloves for the filling mixture.
What does the name 'Pukacapa' mean?
While often translated as 'red cape' or 'red layer' in Quechua, it refers to the reddish, spicy nature of these cheese empanadas.
Can I use a different type of chile?
While jalape%os are suggested, you can use other chiles depending on your spice tolerance and availability.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of fresh baking powder to help the dough rise slightly.
Are Pukacapas suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these empanadas are cheese-based and do not contain meat, making them suitable for vegetarians who consume eggs and dairy.
How many green olives are needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped green olives.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, empanadas are excellent for preparing in advance and can be reheated or served at room temperature.
Is the salt measurement specific?
The dough uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt, but you can also add salt to the filling 'to taste'.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is a creamy blend of saut%ed vegetables and melted queso fresco.