Cornmeal Pastelle Paradise

Cornmeal Pastelle Paradise is a traditional Trinidad and Tobago dish that is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. This delicious dish features a flavorful filling encased in a cornmeal dough, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.

Cornmeal Pastelle Paradise

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cornmeal
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef or pork)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 banana leaves, cut into 12x12 inch squares

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal with water to form a smooth dough. Set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground meat, onion, garlic, and bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender.
  3. Add the paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
  4. Take a banana leaf square and place a spoonful of the cornmeal dough in the center. Flatten the dough and add a spoonful of the meat mixture on top.
  5. Wrap the banana leaf around the filling to form a neat parcel, then secure with kitchen twine.
  6. Steam the pastelles for 45-60 minutes until the cornmeal is cooked through.
  7. Remove the pastelles from the steamer and let them cool slightly before unwrapping and serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
10g
Fat
8g

Supplies

Steamer Kitchen twine

Tools

Skillet Bowl

Serving suggestions

Serve the Cornmeal Pastelle Paradise with a side of traditional Trinidad and Tobago pepper sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Tips & tricks

To make the wrapping process easier, you can soften the banana leaves by quickly passing them over an open flame before using them to encase the pastelles.

Cost

$20