Puerto Rican Pasteles (Meat-Stuffed Masa Pockets)

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Chicken is lower in fat, while ground beef is often more affordable.

plantains

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: regular potatoes

Sweet potatoes offer more nutrients, while regular potatoes are budget-friendly.

Peel and chop the plantains and yuca into chunks.

Boil the plantains and yuca until tender, then mash them together.

In a skillet, sauté garlic, onion, and bell pepper in olive oil until fragrant.

Add pork and adobo seasoning, cooking until the pork is fully cooked.

Prepare banana leaves by softening them over heat, then cut into squares.

Spread a layer of the mashed plantain mixture on the banana leaves, add the pork filling, and fold them into parcels.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: