Pasteles, a staple dish in many Latin American countries, including Puerto Rico, are a delicious and flavorful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. These traditional tamales-like dishes are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful filling surrounded by a soft, slightly sweet masa. In this article, we will explore 18 different pasteles recipes, each with its own unique twist and flavor profile.
From classic fillings like chicken and cheese or pork and plantain, to more adventurous options like vegan jackfruit or shrimp and coconut, there’s something for everyone in this collection of delicious pasteles recipes. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Puerto Rican dish or something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered.
Traditional Puerto Rican Pasteles
Pasteles are a beloved Puerto Rican dish that typically consists of meat or vegetable fillings wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed to perfection. This recipe is a classic take on the traditional dish, using beef and vegetables as the filling.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 plantain leaves
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable shortening or butter for greasing
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, cooked rice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Lay a plantain leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the filling mixture in the center of the leaf.
3. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll the pastele into a neat package. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4. In a large steamer basket, place the pasteles seam-side down. Add enough water to steam for 30-40 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken and Cheese Pasteles
A twist on traditional empanadas, these chicken and cheese pasteles are a flavorful and satisfying snack or meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, they’re easy to make and fun to eat.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, cheese, onion, and garlic.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Plantain and Pork Pasteles
Plantain and Pork Pasteles are a classic Puerto Rican dish that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the savory flavor of pork. These tender pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe plantains
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of galletas (Puerto Rican cookies) or puff pastry
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
4. Wrap each plantain round with about 1 tablespoon of the pork mixture.
5. Place a galleta or puff pastry square on top of the filling and press the edges to seal.
6. Fry the pasteles in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Vegan Pasteles with Jackfruit
Pasteles are traditional Mexican savory tamales made with masa harina and filled with various ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll give the classic dish a vegan twist by using jackfruit as the filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegan masa harina
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 can jackfruit in brine, drained and chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt to taste
– Optional: cheddar vegan cheese shreds for topping
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina and water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and add onion, garlic, cumin, and jackfruit. Cook until the mixture is heated through and slightly caramelized.
4. Take small portions of the masa dough and shape into cylinders.
5. Place about 1 tablespoon of the jackfruit mixture in the center of each cylinder.
6. Fold the masa over the filling to form a tamale shape and secure with a strip of corn husk or aluminum foil.
7. Steam the pasteles for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pasteles de Yuca
Pasteles de Yuca are a beloved Latin American dish originating from the Caribbean region. These steamed cassava cakes, also known as yuca fritters or mofongo, are a staple in many households.
Ingredients:
– 2 large yucas, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine grated yuca, shortening, onion, and garlic. Mix well.
2. Add salt to taste and mix again.
3. Gradually add water until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency.
4. Shape into small patties or cylinders.
5. Steam Pasteles de Yuca for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly firm to the touch.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Tips: To prevent yuca from turning gray, cook it in a well-covered pot with a tight-fitting lid. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as butter, cheese, or garlic sauce.
Pasteles de Platano Maduro
Pasteles de Platano Maduro are a classic Puerto Rican dessert that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with the richness of dulce de leche and the crunch of pecans. These sweet treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe plantains
– 1 cup dulce de leche
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 package of graham cracker sheets (about 12-15 crackers)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small bowl, mix together dulce de leche and melted butter until smooth.
4. Arrange a graham cracker sheet on a flat surface. Place a few plantain slices on one half of the cracker, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Drizzle a small amount of the dulce de leche mixture over the plantains, then sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Fold the other half of the graham cracker sheet over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pasteles with Ground Beef Filling
A classic Puerto Rican dish, pasteles are a staple during the holidays and special occasions. This recipe combines tender dough with a flavorful ground beef filling for a delicious and satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound ground beef
+ 1 onion, finely chopped
+ 2 cloves garlic, minced
+ 1 tablespoon tomato paste
+ 1 teaspoon cumin
+ Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add shortening and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Gradually add warm water and knead for 5-7 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into small balls.
5. Flatten each ball into a disk shape.
6. Place about 1 tablespoon of ground beef filling in the center of each disk.
7. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or square shape.
8. Seal the edges with water and press gently to seal.
9. Cook pasteles in boiling water for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pasteles de Masa
Pasteles de Masa are traditional Puerto Rican tamales made with a masa (dough) filling, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed to perfection. This recipe yields a delicious and authentic treat that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday snacking.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of masa harina
– 1/4 cup of vegetable shortening
– 1/4 cup of warm water
– Filling ingredients (see below)
– Plantain leaves (fresh or dried)
Filling:
– 1 pound of pork, beef, or chicken, cooked and shredded
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Mix masa harina, shortening, and warm water until a dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls.
3. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each ball.
4. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape.
5. Wrap each pastry with plantain leaves.
6. Steam the pasteles for 1-2 hours, or until the masa is tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Pasteles with Shrimp and Coconut
Pasteles are traditional Puerto Rican tamales filled with a variety of ingredients, including seafood. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with the creamy richness of coconut for a unique flavor experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pasteles dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the steamer according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add shrimp, garlic, and ginger; cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in shredded coconut and season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay a pasteles dough square on a flat surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the shrimp mixture in the center.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or square shape; press edges together to seal.
6. Steam pasteles for 45-50 minutes, or until tender and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Pasteles de Guineo
Pasteles de Guineo are a traditional Puerto Rican dish that combines the sweetness of green plantains with the savory flavors of meat and spices. This recipe yields soft, tender pastries filled with flavorful beef and pork.
Ingredients:
– 4-5 ripe green plantains
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch rounds.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir until combined.
5. Stuff each plantain round with about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and fold in half.
6. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the pastries until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Pasteles with Chorizo and Potatoes
A classic Puerto Rican dish, pasteles are traditional savory pockets filled with chorizo and potatoes, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green plantains
– 1 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Peel the plantains and slice them into 1-inch pieces.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, fry diced potatoes with onion and garlic until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
4. To assemble the pasteles, place a spoonful of chorizo mixture onto a plantain slice, followed by a spoonful of potato mixture. Fold the plantain in half to enclose the filling.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients and plantains.
6. Steam the pasteles for 15-20 minutes or until the plantains are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pasteles de Camote
Pasteles de camote are traditional sweet potato tamales from Puerto Rico that are perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a simplified version of the classic dish, using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup of masa harina (corn flour)
– 1/2 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
– 2 cups of water
– 2 tablespoons of sugar
– 1/4 cup of raisins
– 1/4 cup of chopped pecans (optional)
– Vegetable oil for steaming
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, masa harina, lard or shortening, salt, and baking powder.
2. Gradually add the water to the mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place a ball of dough on a banana leaf or parchment paper, leaving a small border around it.
5. Add a pinch of sugar, raisins, and chopped pecans (if using) to the center of the dough.
6. Fold the dough over the filling to form a tamale shape, sealing the edges by pressing them together with your fingers.
7. Steam the tamales for 45-60 minutes or until they are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Pasteles with Spinach and Ricotta
Pasteles are traditional Puerto Rican tamales made with pork, chicken, or vegetables wrapped in banana leaves. This recipe puts a creative spin on the classic by filling them with spinach and ricotta cheese for a creamy, flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 8 ounces ricotta cheese
– Banana leaves (available at most Latin American markets or online)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, shortening, warm water, salt, and baking powder. Mix until dough forms.
2. Divide dough into 12-15 equal pieces.
3. Take each piece of dough and flatten it slightly into a disk shape.
4. Place a tablespoon or two of spinach and ricotta mixture in the center of each disk.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a triangle or square shape, and press edges together to seal.
6. Wrap each pastel in banana leaves and steam for 45-60 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Pasteles de Arroz
Pasteles de Arroz are traditional rice cakes from the Dominican Republic, often served as a side dish or used as a base for various fillings. These crispy treats are perfect for snacking or as a comforting accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, vegetable oil, and warm water. Mix well until the rice is moistened.
2. Add the baking powder and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Knead the dough with your hands for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into small portions (about 1-inch diameter).
5. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Cook the pasteles in boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7. Serve warm, or let cool and store in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pasteles with Turkey and Cranberry
Pasteles are a classic Puerto Rican dish that typically consist of meat or seafood filling wrapped in plantain leaves. This recipe gives the traditional pastry a delicious Thanksgiving twist by adding turkey and cranberry to the mix.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, shredded turkey
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Plantain leaves (about 12-15)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together turkey, cranberry sauce, onion, cilantro, and garlic.
3. Place a plantain leaf flat on a surface with the shiny side facing down.
4. Place about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture in the center of the leaf.
5. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up tightly to form a neat package.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients and leaves.
7. Place the pasteles seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until plantain leaves are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pasteles de Calabaza
This traditional Latin American recipe from Puerto Rico is a delightful twist on traditional pumpkin dishes. Pasteles de Calabaza are tender, flavorful tortillas filled with a delicious mixture of roasted pumpkin, meat, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 1 pound ground beef or pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together mashed pumpkin, ground meat, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of the pumpkin mixture onto a tortilla, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat package.
5. Fry the pasteles in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pasteles with Mushroom and Truffle
Pasteles are traditional Latin American savory pastries that can be filled with a variety of ingredients. This recipe elevates the classic version by adding earthy mushrooms and luxurious truffles.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated truffle
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Roll out puff pastry to desired thickness. Cut into squares or circles.
4. Place a spoonful of mushroom mixture onto one half of the pastry square.
5. Fold the other half over the filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush tops with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pasteles de Maiz
Pasteles de Maiz are a traditional Puerto Rican dessert that combines the sweetness of corn with the flakiness of pastry. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or as a sweet treat at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Add corn, egg, and salt to the dough. Mix well.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces.
5. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into disk shapes.
6. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the flavors of Puerto Rico with these 18 delicious pasteles recipes! From traditional fillings like pork and plantain to innovative options like vegan jackfruit and turkey-cranberry, there’s something for everyone. Discover the art of making tender masa dough from scratch and learn how to prepare a variety of savory and sweet fillings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, these recipes will guide you in creating authentic Puerto Rican pasteles that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Leave a Reply