16 Best Puerto Rican Pasteles Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!

Published on: Mar 31, 2024

Puerto Rican pasteles are a traditional dish that holds a special place in the hearts and stomachs of many islanders. These savory parcels are a staple during the holiday season, but they are also enjoyed year-round. This delicious and hearty meal is a combination of a savory meat filling and a dough made from plantains, yucca, and green bananas. It's a labor of love, but the end result is definitely worth the effort. If you're looking for the best Puerto Rican pasteles recipe, look no further. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to create a mouthwatering version of this beloved dish.

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How to Make Puerto Rican Pasteles (paleo, AIP option)

Main Ingredients: Bananas, Roots, Squash, Bone Broth, Salt, Onion
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If you're looking for a flavorful and unique twist on traditional tamales, look no further than Puerto Rican pasteles. These delicious pockets of savory goodness are made with a plantain-based dough and filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. And the best part? They're entirely paleo and AIP-friendly, making them a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Puerto Rican Style beans

Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Cilantro, Medium Onion, Jalapeno Pepper
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No Puerto Rican meal is complete without a side of beans, and this recipe for Puerto Rican style beans is sure to be a hit. Made with a flavorful base of sofrito and seasoned with spices like cumin and oregano, these beans are a perfect accompaniment to any dish.
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Sofrito is the foundation of Puerto Rican cuisine, and this authentic recipe will add depth and flavor to any dish. Made with a combination of aromatics like onions, garlic, and peppers, this versatile sauce can be used as a base for soups, stews, and more.
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Puerto Rican Picadillo

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Spanish Olives
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Picadillo is a hearty and comforting dish that is a staple in Puerto Rican households. Made with ground beef, potatoes, olives, and raisins, this flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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This classic Puerto Rican dish is a one-pot wonder that is both delicious and easy to make. Made with chicken, rice, and a variety of spices and seasonings, this hearty dish is sure to become a family favorite.
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Puerto Rican Style beans

Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Banana Peppers, Garlic, Chopped Cilantro
Puerto Rican Style beans - Immaculate Bites
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Skip the canned beans and make your own with this authentic recipe for Puerto Rican style beans. Not only are they more flavorful, but they're also healthier and free of any preservatives or additives.
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This delicious sauce is a must-have in any Puerto Rican kitchen. Made with a blend of aromatic vegetables and herbs, this sofrito adds depth of flavor to any dish it's added to.
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Puerto Rican Rice (An Authentic)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Sazon, Adobo, Sofrito
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Rice is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this authentic recipe is a must-try. With the perfect balance of spices and aromatics, this rice is a perfect side dish for any meal.
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Pastelon (Puerto Rican Lasagna)

Main Ingredients: Plantains, Peanut Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green
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This Puerto Rican twist on lasagna is a true crowd-pleaser. Made with layers of sweet plantains, ground beef, and cheese, this dish is a delicious and unique take on the classic pasta dish.
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Traditional Puerto Rican Rice Arroz con Gandules

Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cubanelle Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Fresh Cilantro
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Also known as rice with pigeon peas, this traditional Puerto Rican dish is a flavorful and hearty side dish. With the addition of fragrant herbs and spices, this dish is anything but boring.
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Slow Cooker Pernil (Puerto Rican Roasted Pork Shoulder)

Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
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Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork)
Pernil, or roasted pork shoulder, is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and is often served on special occasions. This slow cooker version makes it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)

Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
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This dish is a combination of two Puerto Rican favorites – rice and beans. Made with tender beans, aromatic sofrito, and a variety of spices, this hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal.
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Puerto Rican Rice & Beans

Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
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This version of rice and beans is made with kidney beans and seasoned with adobo, a popular Puerto Rican spice blend. With the addition of bacon and ham, this dish is packed with flavor and texture.
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Puerto Rican Rice & Beans

Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Olive Oil, Salsa, Garlic, Cumin, Chili
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Another delicious version of rice and beans, this dish is made with pink beans and seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
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Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cream Cheese, Sweetened Condensed Milk
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Flan, a popular dessert in Puerto Rico, gets a cheesy twist in this recipe. Made with cream cheese and a hint of vanilla, this rich and creamy flan is a perfect way to end any meal.
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Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potatoes)

Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cornstarch, Egg, Salt, Oil
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These fried stuffed potatoes are a popular street food in Puerto Rico and are a must-try for any food lover. Filled with a savory beef mixture and coated in crispy breadcrumbs, these papas rellenas are a delicious snack or appetizer.
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Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)

Main Ingredients: Coconut Milk, White Rum, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened
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Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican drink, is a creamy and delicious alternative to traditional eggnog. Made with coconut milk, rum, and spices, this festive drink is a must-have during the holiday season.
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Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Mayonnaise
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Tostones, or fried plantains, are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and are a popular side dish or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these tostones are a delicious and addictive snack.
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Slow Cooked Puerto Rican Pork (Pernil)

Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Butt, Garlic Cloves, Ground Black Pepper
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This slow cooker version of pernil is a simpler and more convenient way to enjoy this traditional Puerto Rican dish. With the addition of citrus juices and spices, this pork is packed with flavor and falls apart with every bite.
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Puerto Rican Chicken Empanadas (Empanadillas de Pollo)

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Oil, Salt, Water, Boneless Chicken
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These handheld pockets of deliciousness are a popular snack in Puerto Rico and are perfect for a quick lunch or a party appetizer. Filled with a savory chicken and vegetable mixture, these empanadillas are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Ingredients You'll Need

Plantains, Yucca, and Green Bananas

The key to a truly authentic Puerto Rican pasteles recipe is using the right ingredients. Plantains, yucca, and green bananas are the base for the dough in this dish. These starchy and flavorful ingredients are what give pasteles their unique texture and taste. Look for ripe but firm plantains and yucca, and green bananas that are still slightly firm. You can find these ingredients at most Latin American grocery stores or specialty markets.

Meat Filling

The meat filling for pasteles is typically made with a combination of pork and chicken, but you can use any type of meat you prefer. For the best flavor, it's important to marinate the meat overnight with a blend of spices and herbs, such as adobo seasoning, oregano, and garlic. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors and make it tender and juicy when cooked.

Additional Ingredients

To add even more flavor to your pasteles, you'll need some additional ingredients such as olives, capers, and raisins. These ingredients are commonly used in Puerto Rican cuisine and add a unique and delicious twist to the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find the perfect flavor profile for you.

The Process

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start making pasteles. The process may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you'll be able to make these like a pro. First, you'll need to pound the plantains, yucca, and green bananas into a dough-like consistency. This is typically done with a special tool called a pilon, but a food processor can also be used. Next, you'll assemble the pasteles by spreading the dough onto a banana leaf, filling it with the marinated meat and additional ingredients, and folding it into a parcel. Finally, the pasteles are boiled or steamed until fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

Making Puerto Rican pasteles is a labor of love that requires time, effort, and patience. But the end result is a dish that is bursting with flavor and tradition. With this recipe, you'll be able to recreate an authentic version of this beloved dish in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the deliciousness of Puerto Rican pasteles. ¡Buen provecho!
16 best puerto rican pasteles recipe You won't believe the taste!

How to Make Puerto Rican Pasteles (paleo, AIP option)

yield: 4 total time: 105 minutes
4.3 Stars (27 reviews)
View Recipe

Ingredients

  • 30 bananas green, no yellow showing at all
  • 4 roots malanga, I used 2 white and 2 lilac, peeled
  • 1 1/2 pounds squash calabaza, substitute butternut or acorn
  • 2 cups bone broth chicken
  • 2 tablespoons salt unrefined
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1 head garlic yes, a whole head
  • 3 bell peppers preferably red, orange, and/or yellow. If you can find aji dulce peppers, use a few of those, too
  • 1 bunch fresh oregano or about 1/2 to 1 Tb dried, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt unrefined, to taste
  • 3 stalks celery
  • 3 carrots peeled
  • 1/2 cup lard or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons annatto seeds whole, achiote
  • 6 tablespoons achiote aciete de, or plain lard or olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons sofrito
  • 2 pounds chicken or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 1/4 ounces capers drained
  • 4 leaves culantro, substitute 1/3 bunch of cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt unrefined
  • 5 banana leaves packs, rinsed and cut into roughly 12"-16" squares; alternatives: "pasteles paper" from a Latin market, or plain parch…
  • 1 jar green olives read lables to ensure no weird additives or preservatives
  • 1 roll kitchen twine, cut into strings about 1 yard long, approximately the armspan of an adult
  • 3 banana leaves OR 1 banana leaf and one sheet pastele/parchment paper OR 1-2 sheets pastele/parchment paper
  • 1 tablespoon achiote aciete de, or plain olive oil or melted lard
  • 1/2 cup masa
  • 3 tablespoons meat filling
  • 3 green olives
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