Ingredients

1 unripe plantain ( as bright green as you can find )
1/2 lb yautia ( malanga )
1/2 lb white yam ( Niame )
1 -2 tablespoon goya brand adobo seasoning
3 -4 plantain leaves
3 dried bay leaves , crushed
1/2 1/2 lb pork loin or 1/2 lb chicken
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves , mashed
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 small red onion , chopped
3 tablespoons chicken broth
1 green pepper , seeded and chopped
fresh ground black pepper
tying string
Pasteles En Hoja is a traditional culinary delight enjoyed in the Dominican Republic, especially around the holiday season. Pasteles En Hoja translates to 'patties in leaves' as it consists of a filling of seasoned pork or chicken with yautia, yam, and plantain wrapped in plantain leaves and tied with strings. The dish dates back to the Taínos, the Dominican Republic's indigenous people. Over the years, this dish has transformed and become a favorite dish in the Dominican Republic due to its flavorful taste and special preparation. It is commonly served as a main dish and paired with a side of rice and beans or a green salad.

Instructions

1.Cut yautia and yam into small pieces. Peel and cut the plantain into small pieces.
2.Season pork or chicken with tomato paste, garlic, onion powder, oregano, green pepper, and onion. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it marinate for 20 minutes.
3.Wash plantain leaves well with soap and water. Cut them into 10-inch squares.
4.Place a plantain leaf on a flat surface. Put a spoonful of the yautia and yam mix onto the center. Then, add a spoonful of the plantain mix on top.
5.Place a spoonful of the pork or chicken mixture on top of the plantain.
6.Fold the left and right edges of the leaves over the filling, then fold the top and bottom edges over the middle. Tie each pastel with a string.
7.Boil water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the dried bay leaves and adobo seasoning. Then add the pasteles to the pot and let it cook for 45-55 minutes.
8.Once they’re done cooking, remove the pasteles from the pot and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Remove the strings and serve.

PROS

Pasteles En Hoja is a flavorful, traditional dish from the Dominican Republic that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday celebration.
It’s also gluten-free and loaded with vegetables, which makes it a healthy entrée option.

CONS

The process of preparing the pasteles is quite time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Additionally, some ingredients may be hard to find in some regions.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Pasteles En Hoja is a low-fat and nutrient-dense dish that contains vitamins and minerals essential for our body.
Plantain is low in fat and high in fiber content that helps regulate digestion. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Yautia is high in fiber and contains antioxidants. It’s also rich in potassium and vitamins such as B6, C, and E, which can help maintain healthy skin.
White yam contains potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which are vital to the body. It can aid in weight loss and lower risks of heart disease patients as well.

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