Traditional Pasteles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Steamed plantain parcels filled with spiced chicken and vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves and served with a rich tomato sauce for an authentic Puerto Rican experience. This puerto rican-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs medium green plantains, olive oil, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 4 peeled and 1-inch cut green plantains in a pot of water for 15 minutes until tender, then drain and return to pot.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 cup olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced green bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1/4 cup chopped olives, 1 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 cup cilantro. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Mash boiled plantains until smooth. Divide into 8 portions, flatten each into a circle on banana leaves, add 2 tbsp meat filling to center, fold sides over filling, and roll into parcels. Steam for 30 minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Pasteles take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Traditional Pasteles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Pasteles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Traditional Pasteles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Traditional Pasteles?

Puerto Rican one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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