Talk about pasteles with any Puerto Rican and watch their eyes sparkle.
Talk about pasteles with any Puerto Rican and watch their eyes sparkle. This is more than a dense and tasty meal — it’s a tradition! Still, Puerto Rico’s tropical climate and love for hearty savory meals make them unique!
Think of a mashed green plantain (or yuca) also known as masa, filled with stewed pork, and tucked tightly in a banana leaf. Making at least a dozen (or a few hundred) of these at a time is customary, and they all come together in a steaming pot of boiling water. The result is a dense treat with a deliciously thick texture and a flavorful filling. Unwrapping a pastel feels like unwrapping a gift, and it’s because that’s just what they are — a gift for your senses!
Making pasteles is not what we’d call easy, so preparing them is often a family effort. It’s no surprise pasteles are a winter holiday specialty — they bring people together.
Of course, variations exist since it seems every Puerto Rican family has its own recipe for the masa and a preferred filling. The way people serve pasteles also varies. Some serve them on their own, and others with a side of rice and beans. And a dollop of spicy Criolla hot sauce or ketchup can give your pasteles an extra layer of excitement!
"Talk about pasteles with any Puerto Rican and watch their eyes sparkle.”
Now, let’s chat with toy sculptor Dave Cortes who loves pasteles!Join us on our new podcast episode with Dave Cortes. David is a Brooklyn-born Boricua and a creative artist with a great sense of humor and a love for Puerto Rican pasteles!
Hispanic Heritage Month was created to spread awareness and promote Spanish history and culture in effort to help keep it alive! It is a time to learn, create, and appreciate the rich histories of our ancestors and celebrate the diverse cultures throughout the Spanish community!
Citrus fruit is essential behind the bar. Limes and lemons are critical in making exciting libations, such as the margarita, daiquiri, whiskey sour and many others. Here are some tips to make the most out of your citrus fruit when drink-mixing.
Explore my culinary journey inspired by my Abuelita’s recipes. Discover how her dedication to authentic Puerto Rican food shapes my cooking classes.
November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month!As we all enter this busy season of holiday preparations, let’s take time to reflect on the incredible ways Puerto Ricans have enriched U.S. history and culture since becoming a territory over a century ago. The rich legacy of the indigenous TaÍno, combined with European, African, and American influences, has shaped the Puerto Rican people into a vibrant, resilient community.
Let’s talk about Puerto Rican dish mofongo and its secrets.
