Vegetarian Pasteles with Black Bean Filling
Traditional Puerto Rican pasteles made with a plantain dough and savory black bean filling, wrapped in banana leaves for authentic flavor. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs Green plantains, Olive oil, Salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, peeled and sliced (2 cups) Green plantains
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup, cooked Black beans
- 1/4 cup, finely diced Yellow onion
- 1 clove, minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup, finely diced Green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup, diced Tomato
- 1/4 tsp Cumin
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil sliced green plantains in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper, and 1/4 cup diced tomato. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup cooked black beans, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: Divide the mashed plantain dough into 6 equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 6-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 5: Place 2 tablespoons of the black bean filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon, then press the edges together to seal. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 6: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegetarian Pasteles with Black Bean Filling take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Vegetarian Pasteles with Black Bean Filling?
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 green plantains from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Pasteles with Black Bean Filling?
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 Vegetarian Pasteles with Black Bean Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Vegetarian Pasteles with Black Bean Filling vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Finally found a vegetarian pastel recipe that actually tastes authentic. My kids devoured them!
- ★★★★★
These pasteles were a hit at my family dinner! The black bean filling was perfectly seasoned and the dough was so tender.
- ★★★★★
My Puerto Rican grandmother approved! The black bean filling was rich and flavorful without being heavy.
