Pasteles

Hey there little friend! So, pasteles are a yummy food that people in Puerto Rico love to eat. They're like tamales, but with some differences.

First, let's talk about the dough. Pasteles are made with a special dough that is made from grated root vegetables like yucca, taro, and plantains. This dough is mixed with some spices like garlic, achiote, and oregano.

Then, people add fillings to the pasteles. Some of the most common fillings are pork, chicken, and beef. There's also some yummy veggies like carrots, potatoes, and peas that can be inside.

Once the fillings are added, the dough is wrapped up in a special way using a banana leaf that has been boiled to soften it up. The wrapped pasteles are then boiled until they're cooked all the way through.

Finally, the banana leaf is peeled off and the pasteles are ready to be eaten! They're usually served with some hot sauce or garlic sauce on the side.

Some families make pasteles at home as a special tradition during the holidays, and others buy them from local vendors or stores. They're a delicious way to have a taste of Puerto Rican cuisine!