Potato and Pork Pastel with Herbed Tomato Sauce

A simplified take on traditional Puerto Rican pasteles, featuring a savory filling of spiced pork and potatoes encased in a smooth dough, served with a vibrant tomato sauce.

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Category: Beef

Prep: 30 minutes. Cook: 40 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

• 2 medium (about 1 lb), peeled and diced Potatoes
• 1/2 lb, cubed Pork shoulder
• 1/2 cup, diced Onion
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1/2 cup, diced Tomato
• 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup, diced Green bell pepper
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 cup All-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil diced potatoes in salted water 15 minutes until tender. Drain, set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Brown pork cubes 5 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and green bell pepper, cook 3 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in diced tomato, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer 10 minutes. Add cooked potatoes, mash slightly with fork until thick. Cool completely.
4. Step 4: Mix flour and water to make smooth dough. Divide into 8 portions, roll each into 1/4-inch-thick circle.
5. Step 5: Place spoonful of potato-pork filling in center of each dough circle. Fold over, seal edges with fork. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Brush pastelitos with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden. Serve topped with cilantro.