Old San Juan-Style Pasteles

Enjoy this healthier homemade version of Old San Juan-style pasteles with whole-food, organic ingredients for a more natural taste and texture.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups organic yellow yuca, peeled and grated
  • 1 cup organic masa harina
  • 1/2 cup water, added as needed
  • 2 teaspoons annatto (achiote) powder, or 2 tablespoons achiote oil
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) organic black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup organic shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Organic banana leaves or parchment paper for wrapping, plus kitchen twine

Clean swaps

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What you'll need

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the grated yuca with masa harina, annatto, and a pinch of salt, adding water a little at a time until you have a soft, spreadable dough (not runny).
  2. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until translucent. Stir in bell pepper until just softened.
  3. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a bowl and mix in black beans, shredded carrots, cilantro, salt, cumin, coriander, and oregano.
  4. Divide the dough into 12 portions. Spread each portion into a rectangle on the center of a banana-leaf or parchment square, place about 3 tablespoons of filling down the middle, and fold the dough over to enclose the filling.
  5. Wrap the leaf or parchment around each pastel into a flat parcel, folding the ends under and tying with kitchen twine to seal.
  6. Boil the wrapped pasteles in a large pot of salted water for 45-60 minutes (or steam 50-60 minutes) until firm and cooked through.
  7. Unwrap and serve warm, seasoned with additional salt if desired, or with your favorite side dishes.

FAQ

Is this Old San Juan-Style Pasteles gluten-free?

Yes, as the recipe uses masa harina and does not incorporate any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I use plastic wrap instead of banana leaves or parchment paper?

While you can use parchment paper, banana leaves are traditional and add a subtle flavor. Plastic wrap is too non-sticky for folding tightly.

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