Pucacapas

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Pucacapas are savory pastries from Bolivia that have a cheese, onion, and olive filling. The name comes from the Quechua words “puca,” meaning red, and “k’apa,” meaning empanada or turnover, referring to both their color and shape. The preparation begins with a soft wheat flour dough enriched with butter or lard, water, and a touch of salt, kneaded until smooth and elastic. The filling defines the dish: a sautéed mixture of onions and hot peppers is combined with cheese, often with olives, and seasoned with herbs. The filling is spooned into rounds of dough, folded and sealed, and the top is brushed with a mashed red pepper glaze. Although often spicy, pucacapas can also be mild. They are commonly eaten as a mid-morning snack or light lunch, sold by street vendors or enjoyed at home with a cup of coffee.