16 Puerto Rican Pastelillos Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
In addition to being a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, pastelillos are a popular dish that can be found across the Caribbean and Latin America. These savory turnovers are typically filled with a delicious combination of meat and spices, making them a delicious and satisfying meal. However, many people are intimidated by the idea of making pastelillos at home. Fear not, as with this easy and authentic Puerto Rican pastelillos recipe, you'll be able to recreate this tasty dish in no time. So, let's get cooking!
Pastelillos de Carne (Puerto Rican Meat Turnovers)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Recao, Beef, Adobo, Kosher
One of the most beloved dishes in Puerto Rican cuisine is Pastelillos de Carne, or Puerto Rican Meat Turnovers. These delicious turnovers are made with a flaky dough and filled with a savory meat mixture. They are a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, and no Puerto Rican party is complete without them.
To make these tasty turnovers, you will need to prepare a dough using flour, baking powder, salt, and shortening. The dough is then rolled out and cut into circles. The filling is made with ground beef, sofrito, tomato sauce, olives, and raisins. The filling is spooned onto the dough circles and folded over to create a half-moon shape. They are then fried until crispy and golden brown.
Pastelillos de Carne are commonly served as an appetizer, but they can also be enjoyed as a main dish with a side of rice and beans. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in with the family. These tasty turnovers will surely become a new favorite in your household.
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Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Cilantro, Medium Onion, Jalapeno Pepper
Beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and Puerto Rican Style beans are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of the island. These flavorful beans are made with sofrito, green peppers, onions, and seasonings like adobo and sazon.
To make Puerto Rican Style beans, you will need to soak dried beans overnight and then cook them with all the flavorful ingredients until they are tender and creamy. These beans are commonly served as a side dish with rice, but they can also be enjoyed on their own as a hearty and delicious soup.
These beans are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any meal. Give Puerto Rican Style beans a try and see why they are a favorite in Puerto Rican households.
Sofrito is the base of many Puerto Rican dishes and is a key ingredient in creating the authentic flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. This aromatic mixture is made with onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro, and a variety of herbs and spices.
To make authentic Puerto Rican sofrito, simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. Sofrito is commonly used in dishes like rice and beans, stews, and soups, and it adds a depth of flavor that is unmatched.
While pre-made sofrito can be found in some stores, making it from scratch is the best way to ensure the freshest and most flavorful result. Give it a try and taste the difference it makes in your Puerto Rican dishes.
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Puerto Rican Picadillo
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Spanish Olives
Picadillo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is made with ground beef, sofrito, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or used as a filling for empanadas, pastelillos, or tacos.
To make Puerto Rican Picadillo, you will need to cook ground beef with sofrito, tomato sauce, olives, and raisins until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. This dish is typically served with rice and beans, but it can also be enjoyed with a side of plantains or yucca.
Picadillo is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and see why it is a favorite among Puerto Ricans.
Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice, also known as Arroz con Pollo, is a one-pot dish that is full of flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is made with chicken, rice, vegetables, and a variety of herbs and spices, making it a complete and delicious meal.
The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of citrus juices and spices, giving it a tangy and flavorful taste. The rice is then cooked with sofrito, vegetables, and chicken broth until it is fluffy and infused with all the delicious flavors. The chicken is then added back in and cooked until it is fully cooked and tender.
Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and see why it is a staple in Puerto Rican households.
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Puerto Rican Style beans
Main Ingredients: Small Onion, Banana Peppers, Garlic, Chopped Cilantro
Pastelon, also known as Puerto Rican Lasagna, is a popular dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made with layers of sweet plantains, ground beef, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. It is a delicious and unique twist on traditional lasagna.
To make Pastelon, you will need to cook ground beef with sofrito, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices. The sweet plantains are then fried until they are soft and golden brown. The dish is assembled with layers of plantains, beef, and cheese, and then baked until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Pastelon is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. Try it out and discover why it is a favorite in Puerto Rican households.
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Pastelon (Puerto Rican Lasagna)
Main Ingredients: Plantains, Peanut Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Green
Sofrito is the base of many Puerto Rican dishes and is a key ingredient in creating the authentic flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. This aromatic mixture is made with onions, peppers, garlic, cilantro, and a variety of herbs and spices.
To make authentic Puerto Rican sofrito, simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth. It can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. Sofrito is commonly used in dishes like rice and beans, stews, and soups, and it adds a depth of flavor that is unmatched.
While pre-made sofrito can be found in some stores, making it from scratch is the best way to ensure the freshest and most flavorful result. Give it a try and taste the difference it makes in your Puerto Rican dishes.
Rice is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and Puerto Rican Rice is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of the island. This simple yet flavorful dish is made with long-grain white rice, sofrito, and seasonings like adobo and sazon.
To make Puerto Rican Rice, you will need to cook the rice with all the flavorful ingredients until it is fluffy and infused with all the delicious flavors. This dish is commonly served as a side to accompany any meal, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a filling and satisfying dish.
Puerto Rican Rice is not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Give it a try and see why it is a staple in Puerto Rican households.
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Puerto Rican Rice (An Authentic)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Tomato Sauce, Sazon, Adobo, Sofrito
Arroz con Gandules, or Rice with Pigeon Peas, is a traditional dish in Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made with long-grain white rice, pigeon peas, sofrito, and a variety of herbs and spices. This dish is commonly served at Christmas and other special occasions.
To make Arroz con Gandules, you will need to cook the rice with all the flavorful ingredients until it is fluffy and infused with all the delicious flavors. The pigeon peas are added in towards the end and cooked until they are tender and fully incorporated into the rice.
This dish is not only delicious but also a symbol of Puerto Rican culture and tradition. Give it a try and taste a little piece of Puerto Rico in every bite.
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Traditional Puerto Rican Rice Arroz con Gandules
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Cubanelle Pepper, Vegetable Oil, Fresh Cilantro
Pernil, or roasted pork shoulder, is a classic Puerto Rican dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. This tender and juicy pork is seasoned with a homemade adobo spice mix and slow-cooked in the oven until it is fall-off-the-bone delicious.
To make Slow Cooker Pernil, you will need to marinate the pork in the adobo spice mix overnight. The pork is then slow-cooked in the oven for several hours until it is fully cooked and tender. This dish is commonly served with rice and beans, but it can also be enjoyed with a side of tostones or yucca.
Slow Cooker Pernil is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and a favorite among many households. Give it a try and see why it is a must-try dish for any meat lover.
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Garlic, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
Rice and beans are a classic combination in Puerto Rican cuisine, and Habichuelas Guisadas, or Stewed Beans, is the perfect example of how flavorful and delicious this simple dish can be. These beans are made with a variety of seasonings, including sofrito, adobo, and sazon, and cooked until they are tender and creamy.
To make Habichuelas Guisadas, you will need to cook the beans with all the flavorful ingredients until they are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. These beans are commonly served with rice, but they can also be enjoyed on their own with a side of plantains or yucca.
Habichuelas Guisadas is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and see why it is a staple in Puerto Rican households.
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Puerto Rican Rice and Beans (Habichuelas Guisadas)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
Rice and beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this dish is a simplified version of the classic Arroz con Habichuelas. It is made with long-grain white rice, canned beans, and a variety of seasonings, making it quick and easy to prepare.
To make Puerto Rican Rice & Beans, you will need to cook the rice with all the flavorful ingredients until it is fluffy and infused with all the delicious flavors. The canned beans are added in towards the end and cooked until they are fully heated through and incorporated into the rice.
This dish is a great option for a busy weeknight when you want a taste of Puerto Rican flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen. Give it a try and see how delicious simplicity can be.
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Puerto Rican Rice & Beans
Main Ingredients: Oil, Sofrito, Tomato Sauce, Kidney, Water, Coriander
Rice and beans are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this dish is another simplified version of the classic Arroz con Habichuelas. It is made with long-grain white rice, canned beans, and a variety of seasonings, similar to Puerto Rican Rice & Beans.
To make Puerto Rican Rice + Beans, you will need to cook the rice with all the flavorful ingredients until it is fluffy and infused with all the delicious flavors. The canned beans are added in towards the end and cooked until they are fully heated through and incorporated into the rice.
This dish is another easy and delicious way to enjoy the traditional flavors of Puerto Rico. Give it a try and see why rice and beans are a favorite combination in Puerto Rican households.
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Puerto Rican Rice + Beans
Main Ingredients: Black Beans, Olive Oil, Salsa, Garlic, Cumin, Chili
Flan is a classic dessert in Puerto Rican cuisine, and this version adds a unique twist by using cream cheese to create a rich and creamy texture. This Flan de Queso, or Cheese Flan, is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
To make Puerto Rican Flan de Queso, you will need to prepare a caramel sauce and pour it into a baking dish. The flan mixture, made with cream cheese, eggs, and condensed milk, is then poured over the caramel and baked until it is set. The flan is then chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
This dessert is not only delicious but also a show-stopper at any party or special occasion. Give it a try and discover why it is a favorite among Puerto Ricans.
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Puerto Rican Flan de Queso (Cheese Flan)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Cream Cheese, Sweetened Condensed Milk
Tostones, or Fried Plantains, are a popular side dish or snack in Puerto Rican cuisine. They are made by slicing green plantains and frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. They are then flattened and fried again until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
To make Puerto Rican Tostones, you will need to slice the plantains and fry them in oil until they are golden brown. They are then removed from the oil and flattened using a tostonera or the bottom of a glass. They are then fried again until they are crispy and ready to be enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt.
Tostones are a delicious and addictive snack that is perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and see why they are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine.
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Puerto Rican Tostones (Fried Plantains)
Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Vegetable Oil, Salt, Mayonnaise
Papas Rellenas, or Stuffed Potatoes, are a popular street food in Puerto Rico. They are made by filling mashed potatoes with seasoned ground beef, rolling them into balls, and then frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. They are a savory and satisfying snack that is perfect for any time of day.
To make Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas, you will need to prepare the mashed potatoes and seasoned ground beef separately. The mashed potatoes are then formed into balls, filled with the ground beef mixture, and fried until they are crispy on the outside and heated through on the inside.
These stuffed potatoes are a delicious and portable snack that is perfect for on-the-go or as a party appetizer. Give them a try and see why they are a favorite among Puerto Ricans.
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Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potatoes)
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cornstarch, Egg, Salt, Oil
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that is similar to eggnog but with a tropical twist. This creamy and rich drink is made with coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and a variety of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
To make Coquito, you will need to blend all the ingredients together until they are well combined. The mixture is then chilled in the refrigerator until it is ready to be served. This delicious drink is often enjoyed during the holiday season and is the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.
Coquito is a sweet and festive treat that is sure to become a holiday tradition in your household. Give it a try and see why it is a beloved drink in Puerto Rican culture.
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Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog)
Main Ingredients: Coconut Milk, White Rum, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened
Pernil, or roasted pork shoulder, is a classic Puerto Rican dish that is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. This tender and juicy pork is seasoned with a homemade adobo spice mix and slow-cooked in the oven until it is fall-off-the-bone delicious.
To make Slow Cooked Puerto Rican Pork, you will need to marinate the pork in the adobo spice mix overnight. The pork is then slow-cooked in the oven for several hours until it is fully cooked and tender. This dish is commonly served with rice and beans, but it can also be enjoyed with a side of tostones or yucca.
Slow Cooked Puerto Rican Pork is a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and a favorite among many households. Give it a try and see why it is a must-try dish for any meat lover.
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Slow Cooked Puerto Rican Pork (Pernil)
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Butt, Garlic Cloves, Ground Black Pepper
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this traditional Puerto Rican dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
1 package of pre-made empanada dough
1 pound of ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small green pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of adobo seasoning
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/4 cup of tomato sauce
1/4 cup of pitted olives, chopped
1/4 cup of raisins
1 egg, beaten
Oil for frying
Preparing the Filling
To start, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft. Season with adobo and oregano, then add the tomato sauce, olives, and raisins. Let the mixture simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Set aside to cool.
Assembling the Pastelillos
Take the pre-made empanada dough and cut it into circles using a round cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of the cooled filling onto one half of the circle. Brush the edges of the dough with the beaten egg, then fold the other half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal them, then use a fork to crimp the edges.
Frying the Pastelillos
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pastelillos and fry until they are golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serving and Enjoying
Serve your homemade Puerto Rican pastelillos hot and enjoy them with a side of rice and beans or a fresh salad. These delicious turnovers also make for a great appetizer or snack. And don't forget to save some for later, as they reheat well in the microwave or oven.
In Conclusion
With this easy and authentic Puerto Rican pastelillos recipe, you can bring the flavors of the Caribbean to your own kitchen. These savory turnovers are sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and you'll feel like a professional chef for mastering this traditional dish. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let your taste buds take a trip to Puerto Rico.
Pastelillos de Carne (Puerto Rican Meat Turnovers)
