Indulge in the rich flavors of Dominican cuisine with our authentic Pasteles en Hoja. Wrapped in banana leaves and bursting with savory fillings, these delectable parcels offer a taste of tradition and heritage. Featuring a harmonious blend of seasoned meats, aromatic vegetables, and Caribbean spices, each bite is a journey to the sun-soaked shores of the Dominican Republic. Whether enjoyed as a festive treat during holidays or as a comforting meal any time of year, our Pasteles en Hoja promise a culinary experience that will transport you to the heart of Dominican culture. Discover the warmth and flavor of the Caribbean with every mouthful of these cherished delicacies.

Here's a recipe for making Dominican Republic Pasteles en Hoja:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 1 lb (450g) pork shoulder, diced
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 lb (450g) beef, diced
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 1 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 cup finely chopped green olives
• 1 cup raisins
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the masa (dough):

• 4 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 3 cups warm water
• 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt

For assembling:

• Banana leaves, cut into large squares and softened over a flame or in hot water
• Butcher's twine or kitchen string

Instructions:

1- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

2- Add diced pork, chicken, and beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spoon.

3- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add chopped cilantro, olives, and raisins. Mix well and remove from heat. Allow the filling to cool completely.

4- Prepare the masa: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, lard or vegetable shortening, and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more warm water.

5- Assemble the pasteles: Place a softened banana leaf square on a flat surface. Spoon a portion of the masa onto the center of the leaf and spread it out into a rectangle, leaving space around the edges.

6- Spoon a generous portion of the cooled filling onto the masa rectangle.

7- Fold the banana leaf over the filling to encase it completely, then fold the sides in to form a packet. Secure the edges with butcher's twine or kitchen string.

8- Repeat the process with the remaining masa, filling, and banana leaves.

9- Steam the pasteles: Arrange the wrapped pasteles in a steamer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. Steam over boiling water for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the masa is cooked through and firm.

10- Serve the pasteles warm, unwrapping them from the banana leaves before eating.

Enjoy your delicious Dominican Republic Pasteles en Hoja, reminiscent of tamales but with a unique Caribbean twist!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the recipe per 100 grams:

For the filling:

Pork shoulder:

• Calories: 242 kcal
• Protein: 25.7 g
• Fat: 15.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:Rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, pork shoulder provides energy and supports muscle health.

Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless):

• Calories: 177 kcal
• Protein: 23.6 g
• Fat: 9.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:High in protein and a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, as well as minerals like phosphorus and selenium, chicken thighs help support muscle growth and repair.

Beef:

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 25.8 g
• Fat: 15.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:Beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are important for energy production, immune function, and red blood cell formation.

Onion:

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3 g

benefits:Onions contain antioxidants and sulfur compounds that may help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support digestive health.

Bell pepper:

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Protein: 1.3 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g

benefits:Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which can help boost immunity, support eye health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Cilantro:

• Calories: 23 kcal
• Protein: 2.1 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.7 g

benefits:Cilantro is a good source of antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. It may have antimicrobial properties and could help lower blood sugar levels.

Green olives:

• Calories: 115 kcal
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 10.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.8 g

benefits:Green olives are high in monounsaturated fats and contain antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and protect against chronic diseases.

Raisins:

• Calories: 299 kcal
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 79.2 g

benefits:Raisins are naturally sweet and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals like potassium and iron. They can help regulate digestion, support bone health, and provide energy.

Garlic:

• Calories: 149 kcal
• Protein: 6.4 g
• Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33.1 g

benefits:Garlic contains sulfur compounds with potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and boosting immunity.

Tomato paste:

• Calories: 82 kcal
• Protein: 4.3 g
• Fat: 0.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.9 g

benefits:Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.

Olive oil:

• Calories: 884 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 100 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and protect against heart disease.

Oregano:

• Calories: 265 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 4.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 68.9 g

benefits:Oregano contains antioxidants and essential oils that may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as potential benefits for digestion and respiratory health.

Cumin:

• Calories: 375 kcal
• Protein: 17.8 g
• Fat: 22.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44.2 g

benefits:Cumin is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory and digestive health benefits. It's also a good source of iron and may help improve blood sugar control.

For the masa (dough):

Masa harina:

• Calories: 364 kcal
• Protein: 8.3 g
• Fat: 1.9 g
• Carbohydrates: 77.7 g

benefits:Masa harina is a gluten-free corn flour that provides complex carbohydrates for energy and is a good source of fiber, which supports digestive health.

Lard or vegetable shortening:

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Protein: 0 g
• Fat: 100 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g

benefits:While high in fat, lard or vegetable shortening adds flavor and moisture to the masa dough. Moderation is key to enjoy its benefits while managing fat intake.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, freshness, and specific cuts of meat.