Bollitos pelones: traditional Venezuelan recipe

Bollitos pelones are cornmeal balls stuffed with meat. When serving, a homemade tomato sauce is added.

Last update : 14 mars, 2023

THE bald buns are a typical Venezuelan preparation. It consists of a cornmeal dough stuffed with red meat or chicken, which is then bathed in a tomato sauce. It’s a perfect way to enjoy leftover stews or other preparations.

Here we share the recipe with you so that you can prepare this delicious dish at home. Take note!

How to prepare bald buns ?

Where did you say that the bald buns were already prepared by the aborigines. However, with the arrival of the Spaniards, the recipe underwent changes. There are studies that explain how culinary fusions were born back then.

The truth is that in Venezuela and in various countries of Central America, corn flour preparations are very important. Several studies indicate that it is used only for tacos, tortillas, nachos, arepas and many other typical preparations.

The recipe for bald buns takes a bit of time. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

Ingredients for the dough

• 2 cups precooked white or yellow cornmeal
• 2 and 1/2 cups homemade chicken stock or 2 and 1/2 cups water and 1 stock cube
• 1 tablespoon corn oil

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For the sauce

• Salt to taste
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1/2 red pepper
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 1/2 medium onion
• Parsley, mint or coriander leaves, to garnish

Cornmeal is a main ingredient in American cuisine, forming part of various recipes.

Ingredients for the stuffing

• 3 tomatoes
• 1/2 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons of capers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pepper, salt, bay leaf and cumin to taste
• 1/4 cup pitted green olives
• 500 grams low-fat ground beef

Step by step

1. The first thing you need to do is prepare the meat stew that you will use for the filling. Don’t forget that you can use food from the night before.
2. Start by crushing the garlic and browning it in a pan with the olive oil over low heat. Next, peel and chop the onion and add it to the pan. Stir so that it does not stick and add seasonings to your liking.
3. Then add the ground beef and let it brown over the heat of the fire. Stir to cook evenly. Raise the stove temperature.
4. When cooked, add the capers and chopped olives. Also add the red wine.
5. As the preparation begins to boil, chop the tomatoes as finely as possible. You can use a blender or a grater.
6. Add the tomatoes to the mixture. Cover the pan and boil for 5-7 minutes. After this time, remove from heat and set aside. Let the stew cool while you assemble the dough.

Assembling the dough

1. Put the cornmeal in a large bowl. Make a hole in the center and add oil and homemade chicken broth. If you are using the cube, dissolve it in water before you start making the dough.
2. With the help of a spoon, start mixing, then with your hands, form the dough. When it is smooth and homogeneous, let stand for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce.

Sauce preparation

1. Chop the onion with the tomatoes and the bell pepper. Put everything in a saucepan and heat it up.
2. Add seasonings to taste and stir with a spoon until thickened.
3. Add the whole, peeled clove of garlic to flavor the sauce. You can remove it when the sauce is ready.
4. When the taste of the sauce suits you, turn off the heat and set aside.

Chopping the onion can cause skin and eye irritation. Remember to take some precautions.

Assemblage of bald buns

1. Take some dough and form a ball. The ideal size would be regarding the size of a golf ball.
2. When you have assembled all the balls, press your thumb down on each to make room for the filling.
3. Now, using a spoon, start filling. When you are done doing this, return the rounded shape and place the buns in a fountain.
4. Repeat the operation with all the dough.
5. Bring plenty of water to a boil in a saucepan. When ready, carefully place the buns inside. Let them cook for 15 minutes or until they start to float.
6. When they reach this stage, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain in a noodle strainer.
7. Finally, serve bald buns that you have just prepared with the sauce that you had reserved. You can decorate everything with mint leaves, parsley or chopped coriander.

Prepare delicious bollitos pelones at home

Undoubtedly, it is a dish that has several stages, but it is worth it. You can prepare these delicious bald buns to surprise your guests.

Don’t forget that you can garnish them with the meat of your choice, change the cooking mode or add the ingredients you want. Of course, salads and baked vegetables are good accompaniments.

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