Pastelles, a beloved Caribbean dish, feature cornmeal pies filled with seasoned meat, olives, and raisins, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Originating in Trinidad and Tobago, they are a festive treat enjoyed during the holiday season, blending African, European, and Indigenous culinary influences.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cornmeal

- 1 lb ground meat (beef or pork)

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup pitted olives, sliced

- 1/2 cup raisins

- 1/4 cup tomato paste

- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Banana leaves (for wrapping)

Method:

- In a bowl, mix cornmeal with water to form a dough. Divide into small balls and flatten into discs.

- In a skillet, cook ground meat with onion and garlic until browned. Stir in olives, raisins, tomato paste, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

- Place a spoonful of meat mixture onto each cornmeal disc. Fold the discs in half to enclose the filling.

- Wrap each pastelle in a piece of banana leaf, folding to secure.

- Steam the pastelles for about 30-40 minutes until cooked through.

- Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Value:

Cornmeal (2 cups):

  - Calories: Approximately 880 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 184 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 20 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 4 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 20 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.

benefits: Provides energy from carbohydrates, fiber for digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Ground Meat (1 lb, beef or pork):

  - Calories: Approximately 1160 kcal (varies based on type of meat)

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 92 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 80 grams

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: Varies

  - Vitamins and minerals: Rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

benefits: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and important vitamins and minerals for muscle growth and repair.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 44 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 4 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium.

benefits: Provides antioxidants, supports immune function, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0.5 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and selenium.

benefits: Provides antioxidants, supports heart health, and may have antibacterial properties.

Olives (1/2 cup, sliced):

  - Calories: Approximately 80 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 4 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 1 gram

  - Fat: Approximately 7 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 500 milligrams (varies based on type)

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Good source of vitamin E, iron, and calcium.

benefits: Provides healthy fats, antioxidants, and may support heart health.

Raisins (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 220 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 58 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 2 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 10 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Rich in potassium, iron, and antioxidants.

benefits: Provides natural sweetness, fiber, and essential nutrients for energy and overall health.

Tomato Paste (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 40 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 9 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 2 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 20 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

benefits: Provides flavor, antioxidants, and essential nutrients for immune function and vision.

Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped):

  - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0 grams

  - Protein: Approximately 0 grams

  - Fat: Approximately 0 grams

  - Sodium: Approximately 1 milligram

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin K, vitamin A, and antioxidants.

benefits: Adds flavor and aroma, may support digestion, and provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: Varies based on amount used

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

benefits: Provides flavor, but excessive consumption may contribute to high sodium intake.

Banana Leaves (for wrapping):

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

  - Protein: 0 grams

  - Fat: 0 grams

  - Sodium: 0 milligrams

  - Cholesterol: 0 milligrams

benefits: Provides natural, eco-friendly packaging for steaming, adds aroma, and may have antimicrobial properties.