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Let me share my go-to pastele stew recipe that'll transport your taste buds straight to Puerto Rico. This hearty dish combines tender pork with a rich, tomato-based sauce and unique green banana thickener. I've been perfecting this recipe for years, tweaking spices and ratios until achieving pure comfort-food bliss. Trust me, once you smell achiote and cumin wafting through your kitchen, you'll be hooked. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Ingredients for Delicious Pastele Stew
- Pork shoulder: Adds rich flavor and tenderness to the stew, a staple ingredient in traditional pastele recipes.
- Onion: Provides a savory base flavor and sweetness when cooked down, enhancing the overall taste of the stew.
- Garlic: Infuses a deep, aromatic flavor into the stew, adding complexity and depth to the dish.
- Vegetable oil: Used for browning the pork and sautéing the aromatics, adding moisture and preventing sticking.
- Tomato sauce: Brings a rich, tangy flavor and thickens the stew, providing a vibrant color and depth of taste.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness to the stew, contributing a burst of acidity and juiciness to the dish.
- Water: Helps to create the stew's base liquid, ensuring the ingredients cook evenly and meld their flavors together.
- Achiote oil: Infuses a subtle earthy and peppery flavor, as well as a vibrant red color to the stew.
- Oregano: Adds a warm, herbaceous note to the stew, complementing the other spices and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Cumin: Provides a smoky, earthy flavor with a hint of citrus, adding depth and warmth to the stew.
- Bay leaves: Imparts a subtle, aromatic flavor to the stew, enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
- Green bananas: Act as a thickening agent and add a subtle sweetness to the stew, contributing to its unique texture.
- Masa harina: Thickens the stew and adds a subtle corn flavor, creating a hearty and comforting consistency.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, citrusy note to the stew, brightening up the flavors and providing a pop of color.
Read more: Mulligatawny Stew
Essential Tools for Making Pastele Stew
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the stew and allowing all the ingredients to simmer together.
- Cutting board: Needed for chopping the onion and grating the green bananas for the stew.
Pastele Stew Recipe
A delicious and hearty Puerto Rican stew made with pork, green bananas, and a rich tomato base.
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Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cubed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp achiote oil
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 pieces bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pieces green bananas, grated
- 1/2 cup masa harina
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Read more: Bamia Stew Recipe
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork shoulder and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, achiote oil, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the pork is tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix the grated green bananas and masa harina. Add this mixture to the stew and stir well.
- Cook for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes:
This hearty stew is perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve with rice or bread.
Nutrition value:
Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Read more: Asparagus Stew Recipe
Tips for Making Pastele Stew Ahead of Time
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook the stew as directed in the recipe.
- Let the stew cool completely.
- Transfer the stew to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Allow the stew to cool completely.
- Portion the stew into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Adding grated green bananas to this pastel stew recipe not only thickens the stew but also adds a unique flavor and texture that sets this dish apart from other traditional stews.
Common Questions About Pastele Stew Answered
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of meat for this pastele stew recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pork shoulder with beef or chicken if you prefer.
How spicy is this pastele stew?
This stew is not very spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this pastele stew ahead of time?
Yes, this stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
How long does it take to prepare this pastele stew?
It takes about 2 hours to prepare and cook this pastele stew from start to finish.
Can I freeze leftovers of this pastele stew?
Yes, you can freeze any leftovers of this stew for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you're ready to enjoy it again.
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