Puerto Rican Pasteles Recipes In English

June 04, 2023 Post a Comment

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Description

Puerto Rican pasteles are a traditional dish made during the holiday season. They are similar to tamales but with a distinct Puerto Rican flavor. The dish consists of a dough made from green bananas, yautia, and plantains, filled with a savory meat filling, and wrapped in banana leaves.

Prep Time

Preparation for Puerto Rican pasteles can take up to 3 hours depending on the amount you plan to make. This includes preparing the dough, the filling, and wrapping the pasteles.

Cook Time

Cooking time for Puerto Rican pasteles can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes. This includes boiling the pasteles in water until they are fully cooked.

Ingredients

For the dough:

5 green bananas
1 pound of yautia
2 green plantains
1 tablespoon of salt
2 tablespoons of annatto oil

For the filling:

1 pound of pork shoulder
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For wrapping:

Banana leaves, cut into 8 x 10 inch pieces
Cooking string

Equipment

Blender or food processor
Large mixing bowl
Large pot for boiling

Method

1. Begin by preparing the filling. Cut the pork shoulder into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin. Set aside. 2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent. 3. Add the seasoned pork to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. 4. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool. 5. Prepare the dough by peeling and cutting the green bananas, yautia, and plantains into small pieces. Place the pieces into a blender or food processor and blend until a smooth, thick dough forms. 6. Add salt and annatto oil to the dough and mix well. 7. Take a piece of banana leaf and place a spoonful of the dough onto it, spreading it into a rectangle shape. 8. Add a spoonful of the pork filling onto the center of the dough. 9. Fold the banana leaf over the filling, then fold the sides over the filling, forming a rectangular package. 10. Tie the package with cooking string to secure it closed. 11. Repeat steps 7-10 until all the dough and filling is used up. 12. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Place the pasteles into the pot and boil for 1 hour and 30 minutes. 13. Remove the pasteles from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.

Notes

Puerto Rican pasteles can be frozen and reheated when ready to eat. They can also be enjoyed with a side of rice and beans or salad.

Nutrition Info

One serving of Puerto Rican pasteles contains approximately:

Calories: 350
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 6g

Recipes FAQ

What can I use instead of banana leaves?

If banana leaves are not available, you can use corn husks as a substitute.

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or a combination of meats if you prefer.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Recipe Tips

- To make annatto oil, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil with 2 tablespoons of annatto seeds in a small saucepan until the oil turns orange. Strain the seeds and let the oil cool before using. - Make sure the banana leaves are clean and free of any tears before using. - If the dough is too thick, add a little bit of water to make it easier to spread onto the banana leaves.