Recipe(tried): Pasteles de Yuca (assembly)

Dear Carolina: I think I must refresh your memory regarding the assemblying process of the Pasteles de Yuca. Also, I want to mention that sometimes I use two envelopes of Saz n con Culantro y Achiote Goya instead of the annato oil. I just add 1/2 cup of olive oil to the Goya seasoning and heat it for about 1 minute in a skillet. Then, I continue the recipe as if I was using the original annato oil (aceite con Achiote). For Goya products, you can buy at Goya.com, or at Latin markets.

Here is the process I use for the pasteles:

Clean and cut the banana leaves into approximately 12 inches rectangles. On a table, assemble the pasteles. Place the banana leaves rectangle on top of the table. Put 1 or 2 tb annato oil in the middle of the rectangle. On top of the oil, place about 4 tb banana mix, well spread, forming a smaller rectangle(5x8). Put 2 tb of the cooked meat mixture on top of the banana mix, spreading it down the center lengthwise. Fold in half widthwise. Fold in half once again. Fold in the end, taking care that by folding you do not apply too much pressure and the mix oozes out. Tie the pastel like a gift, so that both extremities are tied. Remember, not too much pressure. By this stage, you can stop and freeze as many as you want.

Cook the pasteles in a big pot, in enough salted water to cover. Cook at moderate high, and when the water boils, lower to moderate and cover. Cook for another 45 minutes. If they are frozen, you will have to cook them for more or less of 1 hour. Once cooked, remove promptly from the water. Remove the leaves and serve.

I certainly hope that you will be tempted to try the recipe.

Your friend,

Gladys/PR