Ingredients

2 pounds yuca , peeled and coarsely chopped
2 pounds green plantains , peeled and coarsely chopped
2 pounds yautia , peeled and coarsely chopped
2 cups milk
1 pound lard
1 pound achiote seeds
1 tablespoon olive oil , or to taste
1 onion , chopped
1 green bell pepper , chopped
2 pounds pork shoulder roast , cut into small cubes
1 pound ham , cut into small cubes
2 cups garbanzo beans
2 cans tomato sauce
1 jar pitted Spanish olives
1 jar capers
3 tablespoons orange juice
4 sprigs cilantro , chopped
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon salt
2 cloves garlic , minced
24 plantain leaves
kitchen string
Pasteles with Yuca and Plantains is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is typically enjoyed during the holiday season and other special occasions. The dish is typically prepared in batches since the process can be quite long, and many families have their own unique recipe passed down through generations. The Yuca and Plantains bring a tropical flavor element to the dish while the filling of pork and ham make it heartier and savory. It is often served with sides like rice and beans, avocado and hot sauce. The baking process with plantain leaves is also traditional to the dish, making it an unforgettable experience to prepare and share together with loved ones.

Instructions

1.In a blender, blend the yuca, green plantains, and yautia with milk until smooth.
2.In a large pot, heat the lard over medium-high heat.
3.Grind the achiote seeds into a powder and add to the lard, stirring to distribute the color.
4.Add the olive oil, onion, and bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
5.Add the pork and ham, and cook for 10-15 minutes, until browned.
6.Add the garbanzo beans, tomato sauce, Spanish olives, capers, orange juice, cilantro, oregano, salt, and garlic, and stir to combine.
7.Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, until the mixture has thickened.
8.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
9.Rinse the plantain leaves and pat dry.
10.Lay out 2 plantain leaves (overlapping them) and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the filling onto the leaves.
11.Fold the leaves into a rectangle and tie with kitchen string.
12.Repeat with the remaining filling until all of the mixture has been used.
13.Bake the pasteles for 45-50 minutes or until cooked through, removing the string before serving.

PROS

Pasteles with Yuca and Plantains is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

The dish is gluten-free and tropical ingredients make it an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.

The dish is easy to customize based on taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

CONS

The preparation time for this recipe can be quite long and requires access to ingredients that may not be readily available.
Some may find it difficult to find plantain leaves for the baking process and the recipe as a whole is very involved.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The yuca, plantains, and yautia in this dish are great sources of dietary fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion.
The vitamin C found in the ingredients can also help boost immune function and protect against illnesses. However, the dish is quite high in calories and fat, making it important to consume it in moderation.

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