In the heart of the Caribbean, where flavors dance and traditions intertwine, lies a culinary gem that has captured the hearts of Dominicans and food enthusiasts alike: Pasteles en Hoja, or " pasteles" for short. These delectable parcels of goodness are a testament to the Dominican Republic's rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous Taino influences with Spanish and African culinary traditions. From the vibrant green of the plantain leaves that envelop them to the tantalizing aroma that fills the air as they steam, pasteles are a sensory delight that promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
This comprehensive guide takes you on a culinary journey through the Dominican Republic, unveiling the secrets behind this iconic dish. Discover the two main variations of pasteles: the traditional meat-based version and the equally enticing vegetarian option. With step-by-step instructions and a treasure trove of expert tips, you'll learn how to craft these culinary masterpieces from scratch. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of wrapping and steaming, this guide ensures that your pasteles turn out perfectly every time.
So, prepare to embark on a culinary expedition as we delve into the vibrant world of Dominican pasteles. Let your taste buds be captivated by the harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, as you savor the tender meat or hearty vegetables enveloped in a velvety masa casing. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will empower you to recreate this cherished Dominican delicacy in the comfort of your own home.
DOMINICAN PASTELES EN HOJA AS MADE BY JULISSA CALDERON RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: olive oil, bijol seasoning, small red onion, garlic, ground beef, salt, pepper, dried oregano, tomato sauce, raisin, unripe plantains, yucca, chicken broth cubes, sazon goya seasoning powder, lime juices, milk, bijol seasoning, banana leaves, butcher's twine, ketchup, hot sauce
Provided by Matthew Johnson
Categories Dinner
Yield 24 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Bijol seasoning and cook for 3 minutes or until the oil turns reddish-orange and is aromatic. Set aside all but 2 tablespoons of the seasoned oil and return the pan to the heat.
- Add the red onion, garlic, beef, salt, pepper, and oregano and stir to combine. Cook until the meat is well browned, around 15 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce and raisins. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until all of the liquid evaporates and the meat is tender. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- Make the plantain dough: In a deep bowl, add the plantains, yuatía, chicken broth cubes, Sazón Goya powder, lime juice, some of the milk, Bijol seasoning, and reserved Bijol oil. Stir to combine, adding more milk as needed until the dough is seasoned to your taste, soft, tacky, and light orange in color.
- Lay a banana leaf on a clean work surface and brush the center with Bijol oil. Scoop 3 tablespoons of the plantain dough into the center of the square and top with 2 tablespoons of the beef filling. Fold the banana leaf in half, then roll up and tuck in the ends to seal. Tie tightly with twine to secure. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil over medium heat and season with salt. Add the pasteles, cover, and cook for 40 minutes. Remove the pasteles from the pot.
- Unwrap and serve with ketchup and hot sauce.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 266 calories, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fat 7 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, Sugar 17 grams
PASTELES EN HOJA (DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VERSION)
If you are familiar with Caribbean food, then you should know almost everything is made or is accompanied by plantains (unripe bananas). This looks like the Mexican tamale, and is made almost the same way, but with different ingredients. And of course instead of a corn outside layer it is made with plantains. This is a holiday staple. You can find the plantain leaves in any Hispanic market, in the frozen foods section. If you can't find it replace with parchment paper.
Provided by Kitty Kat Cook
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Cut the banana leaves into 8x8-inch squares wash, pat dry and reserve.
- If using pork or chicken:.
- Place a small chicken (about a 2lbs) or pork loin in a crock pot and liberally sprinkle with adobo seasoning until covered. Set on low for 6-8 hours When done, allow it to cool and shred it with your fingers. Now you can use it for the pasteles.
- If using ground beef:.
- In a bowl combine the meat with the onion powder, oregano, basil, 2 tbsp adobo seasoning.
- In a pan over medium heat, heat up oil and add garlic, onions and pepper. Sauté until tender. Add 1/2 lb of meat.
- Cook until no longer pink and drain. Return to heat and 2 tbsp of water and tomato paste. Cook until all liquid has evaporated. Reserve.
- If using cooked pork or chicken:.
- Heat up oil over medium heat and add garlic, onions and pepper until tender; add 1/2 lb meat. Season with oregano, bay, onion powder, black pepper and salt if needed. Stir until combined. Add 2 tbsp water and tomato paste, heat through, for about 2 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Reserve.
- Peel the plantains, niame and malanga. Grate the raw niame, malanga and plantain and mix with 1 tsp of adobo seasoning and 1 tspn salt. Add the broth either store-bought kind or the broth made if you slow-cooked the chicken. It will look like a doughy mass. Don't make it too wet.
- For assembly:.
- Put 2 tbsp of the plantain mixture on the center of a banana tree leaf, on top put 1 tspn of meat, and top that with 2 more tbsp of the plantain mixture. Wrap the leaf around it to form a rectangle; about 5-7" in length and 3-4" in width. Wrap another layer of parchment paper over each one. Tie string once around and once the other way to resemble a present, and tie a knot in the middle. At this point you can freeze them by wrapping a third layer of foil over each one and store for up to a month, just remove foil before cooking.
- When ready to make, put half a gallon of water in a very large pot and boil them for 20 minutes. Remove the banana leaf before eating.
- We usually eat them with Tabasco sauce and/or ketchup. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 500.2, Fat 15.2, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 38.6, Sodium 710.4, Carbohydrate 91.2, Fiber 24, Sugar 9.1, Protein 18.7
Tips:
- Ensure the plantain leaves are completely soaked to make them pliable and easy to handle.
- When measuring your ingredients, use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially for the cassava and pumpkin, and use measuring cups for liquids and other ingredients.
- If you don't have access to plantain leaves, you can use parchment paper or aluminum foil as a substitute, but grease them lightly to prevent sticking.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the meat and vegetables.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like spicy food, add more chili pepper or hot sauce.
- Traditionally, pasteles en hoja are wrapped individually, but you can save time by wrapping them in groups of two or three, depending on the size of your plantain leaves.
- When steaming the pasteles, make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the steamer basket to prevent the pasteles from becoming soggy.
- Allow the pasteles to cool slightly before unwrapping to prevent tearing.
Conclusion:
Pasteles en hoja are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are a staple in Dominican cuisine and reflect the country's rich cultural heritage. The combination of savory meat, vegetables, and the subtle sweetness of the plantain leaves creates a flavor profile that is both satisfying and unique. While the preparation may seem a bit time-consuming, the effort is well worth it, and the results are sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey to the Dominican Republic with these delicious pasteles en hoja.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love