Puerto Rican Pasteles Masa Recipe: A Traditional Delicacy

May 15, 2023 Post a Comment

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Pasteles de Masa (Puerto Rican Taro Root & Plantain Pork Pockets) Recipe Boricua recipes from www.pinterest.com

Description

Puerto Rican pasteles are a beloved traditional dish made during the holiday season. The dish consists of a masa or dough filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf, and boiled until cooked. The dish is a labor of love, usually made in large batches and shared with family and friends. The masa or dough is a crucial component of this dish and is what gives it its unique flavor and texture.

Prep Time

The prep time for the masa is approximately 2 hours.

Cook Time

The cook time for the masa is approximately 1 hour.

Ingredients

- 4 pounds of yautia or taro root - 2 pounds of green bananas - 1 pound of yuca or cassava - 1 cup of achiote oil - 2 tablespoons of salt - 2 tablespoons of baking powder - 2 tablespoons of annatto seeds - 1 cup of warm water

Equipment

- Food processor - Cheese grater - Large mixing bowl - Banana leaves - Large pot for boiling

Method

1. Peel and dice the yautia, green bananas, and yuca. 2. Using a food processor, grind the diced vegetables until they form a smooth paste. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable paste, achiote oil, salt, baking powder, and annatto seeds. 4. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. 5. Slowly add the warm water to the mixture, stirring continuously until it forms a soft dough. 6. Cut the banana leaves into rectangles and wash thoroughly. 7. Spoon a portion of the masa onto the banana leaf, leaving space around the edges. 8. Add a spoonful of the meat and vegetable filling to the center of the masa. 9. Fold the banana leaf over the masa and filling, tucking the sides in to form a rectangular package. 10. Repeat until all the masa and filling are used up. 11. In a large pot of boiling water, add the wrapped pasteles and boil for approximately 1 hour or until cooked through. 12. Serve hot with a side of arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas).

Notes

- Achiote oil can be made by heating annatto seeds in oil until they release their color and flavor. - The meat and vegetable filling can be made with a variety of ingredients such as pork, chicken, beef, or vegetables. - To make the filling, sauté the meat and vegetables with sofrito (a mixture of garlic, onion, peppers, and herbs) until cooked through.

Nutrition Info

- Serving size: 1 pastel - Calories: 300 - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Protein: 15g

Recipes FAQ

Q: Can I freeze pasteles? A: Yes, pasteles can be frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply boil for 20-30 minutes. Q: Can I use a different type of leaf instead of banana leaves? A: Yes, other types of leaves such as corn husks or parchment paper can be used as a substitute. Q: Can I make the masa ahead of time? A: Yes, the masa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Recipe Tips

- It is important to wash the banana leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. - To make the masa easier to handle, wet your hands with water before shaping. - For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use a mixture of vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and potatoes.