Your rating
Not rated yet!
Modify
Puerto Rican Pasteles
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 2 cups of achiote oil
- 3 cups of grated green bananas
- 1 cup of grated yautia (taro root)
- 1 cup of grated yuca (cassava)
- 1/2 cup of annatto seeds
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of chopped onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup of chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped recao (culantro)
- 1/4 cup of chopped green olives
- 1/4 cup of capers
- 1/4 cup of raisins
- 1/4 cup of tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup of sofrito
- 1 tablespoon of adobo seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 12 pieces of banana leaves, cut into 10x10 inch squares
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the achiote oil over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the grated green bananas, grated yautia, and grated yuca.
- In a blender, blend the annatto seeds and water until the seeds release their color. Strain the liquid and add it to the bowl with the grated ingredients.
- Add the chopped onion, cilantro, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, recao, green olives, capers, raisins, tomato sauce, sofrito, adobo seasoning, and ground black pepper to the bowl. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Place a piece of banana leaf on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the leaf over the mixture to form a packet, then tie it with kitchen twine to secure it. Repeat with the remaining mixture and banana leaves.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the pasteles and cook for 1 hour.
- Remove the pasteles from the water and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pasteles are a traditional Puerto Rican dish with roots dating back to the island's indigenous Taíno people. This beloved dish consists of a masa made from green bananas, plantains, and root vegetables, filled with a savory mixture of meat, typically pork, and wrapped in banana leaves for steaming. The dish is a labor of love, often prepared during the holiday season and special occasions, with families coming together to make large batches. Chefs and home cooks take pride in their unique recipes, with variations in fillings and seasonings. While pasteles can be found throughout Puerto Rico, the town of Aibonito is renowned for its delicious and authentic versions. For the best pasteles, it's crucial to get the masa just right, achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Some cooks also opt for alternative methods, such as using parchment paper for wrapping, to simplify the process without sacrificing taste.
150 min
12
350 calories
Most popular recipes
Hawaiian Luau
A traditional Hawaiian feast featuring a variety of delicious dishes.
180 min
8-10
600 calories
Pistachio Kunafa
A delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, filled with a creamy pistachio mixture, and topped with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
75 min
8
320 calories
Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Avocado
A delicious and healthy dish featuring quinoa, black beans, and avocado.
30 min
4
350 calories
Most recent recipes
Vegetable Poha
A delicious and healthy Indian breakfast dish made with flattened rice and mixed vegetables.
25 min
4
250 calories
Spicy Mango Chicken Bowl
This bowl is a perfect combination of spicy and sweet flavors, with tender chicken and fresh mango.
35 min
4
380 calories
Spicy Mexican Chicken Stew over Rice
This Mexican chicken stew is packed with extra spice and flavor, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals.
60 min
6
380 calories