Pastele stew

Metudapastelestew

Pastele stew is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that is a variation of the classic pasteles. Unlike pasteles, which are typically wrapped in banana leaves and boiled, pastele stew is a deconstructed version that is served as a hearty stew.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of pastele stew include:

• Pork or chicken
• Green bananas
• Plantains
• Yautía
• Achiote oil
• Olives
• Capers
• Garlic
• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Cilantro
• Adobo
• Sazón

Preparation

The preparation of pastele stew involves several steps:

1. **Meat Preparation**: The pork or chicken is marinated with adobo and sazón, then browned in a pot with achiote oil.
2. **Vegetable Preparation**: Green bananas, plantains, and yautía are peeled and grated to form a masa (dough-like mixture).
3. **Stew Base**: Onions, garlic, and bell peppers are sautéed until soft. Tomato sauce, olives, and capers are added to create a flavorful base.
4. **Combining Ingredients**: The masa is added to the stew base along with the browned meat. The mixture is simmered until the masa is cooked through and the flavors are well combined.
5. **Seasoning**: The stew is seasoned with cilantro and additional spices as needed.

Serving

Pastele stew is typically served with white rice and a side of avocado. It is a popular dish during the holiday season and family gatherings.

Cultural Significance

Pastele stew holds a special place in Puerto Rican culture, especially during the Christmas season. It is a comfort food that brings families together and is often made in large batches to share with loved ones.

See Also

• Puerto Rican cuisine
• Pasteles
• Mofongo
• Arroz con gandules
• Lechón