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Pastele Stew Recipe

Pastele Stew Recipe

A hearty, flavorful Puerto Rican stew inspired by traditional pasteles. This one-pot dish combines green bananas, plantains, root vegetables, seasoned meat, and sofrito into a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 29 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 29 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 green bananas peeled and grated
  • 2 plantains peeled and grated
  • 1 cup yautía or substitute with potatoes or yucca, peeled and grated
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder or chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup sofrito
  • 1/2 cup green olives sliced
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 2 tablespoons achiote oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Grater or food processor (for vegetables)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Stirring Spoon

Method
 

  1. Peel and grate the green bananas, plantains, and yautía. Set aside.
  2. Heat achiote oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft (3-4 minutes).
  4. Add sofrito, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  5. Return meat to the pot. Add grated vegetables and mix well.
  6. Pour in broth until ingredients are just covered. Stir in olives and capers. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour until meat is tender.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
    Pastele Stew Recipe

Notes

  • Use firm green bananas and plantains for the best texture.
  • Sofrito is key to authentic flavor—homemade or store-bought works well.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day!
  • Freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
  • Customize with toppings like avocado, lime juice, or pickled onions.
  • Pastele Stew Recipe