Pasteles Paradise (Paraíso de Pasteles)

Paraíso de Pasteles, or Pasteles Paradise, is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is a labor of love to prepare. These savory parcels are made with a mixture of grated root vegetables, seasoned meat, and wrapped in banana leaves for a unique and delicious flavor.

Pasteles Paradise (Paraíso de Pasteles)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups grated green bananas
  • 2 cups grated taro root
  • 1 cup grated yautia (tropical root vegetable)
  • 1 pound pork shoulder, diced
  • 1/2 cup achiote oil
  • 1/4 cup sofrito (a mix of onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs)
  • 12 pieces of banana leaves, cut into 12x12 inch squares
  • 1 cup pitted olives
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the grated green bananas, taro root, and yautia with achiote oil and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, season the diced pork shoulder with sofrito, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a banana leaf square on a flat surface and spread a portion of the root vegetable mixture on it.
  4. Add a portion of the seasoned pork, olives, raisins, and capers on top of the root vegetable mixture.
  5. Fold the banana leaf to form a packet and secure with kitchen twine.
  6. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pasteles. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  7. Remove the pasteles from the water and let them cool before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
1 hour
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
3 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
40g
Protein
15g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large mixing bowl Knife Cutting board Kitchen twine Large pot

Tools

Grater Flat surface for assembling pasteles

Serving suggestions

Serve the pasteles with a side of arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and a drizzle of hot sauce for an authentic Puerto Rican meal.

Tips & tricks

To save time, you can prepare the root vegetable mixture and seasoned pork in advance and assemble the pasteles when ready to cook.

Cost

$30