Are you craving a hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further than this Foodland Pastele Stew! This recipe takes the beloved flavors of traditional pasteles and transforms them into a comforting and satisfying stew, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both delicious and healthy. Get ready to experience a taste of vibrant Puerto Rican cuisine in a completely new way!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound ground pork (or a blend of pork and beef)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can green olives, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground adobo seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plantains, peeled and diced (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and bell peppers, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
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Brown the Meat: Add the ground pork to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the Stew: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), green olives, chicken broth, adobo seasoning, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add Plantains and Peas: Add the diced plantains and green peas to the stew. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the plantains are tender and the peas are heated through. Season with salt to taste.
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Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pastele Stew:
- Spice it up: If you enjoy a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or corn to your stew.
- Use different meats: Experiment with other ground meats like turkey or chicken.
- Make it ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Pastele Stew: Omit the ground meat and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
- Spicy Pastele Stew: Add a diced jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This Foodland Pastele Stew is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. This recipe provides quick dinner ideas for those looking for something both comforting and exciting. Remember to share your culinary creations with us!