Pasteles are a traditional Puerto Rican dish commonly served during Christmas and other special occasions. They consist of a filling usually made with pork and adobo (although there are plant-based versions), encased in masa made with green bananas and yuca or yautia. They are wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled until tender. Let’s go over how long to boil pasteles to achieve delicious results every time.
How Long to Boil Pasteles?
Before we get to how long to boil pasteles, grab a large stockpot with a tight-fitting lid. Although the exact size of the pot depends on the number of pasteles you plan to boil, ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the quantity and allows space for them to move around. Once you have the pot and your pasteles are ready, follow these steps for boiling:
- Fill a large stockpot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Salt the water, if desired.
- Carefully place the pasteles into the boiling water, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Reduce the heat to bring the water to a gentle boil, and leave the pasteles to cook until tender. The cooking time for pasteles will vary depending on how many you are making.
Here is a helpful table to guide you, based on the total weight of the pasteles:
| Total Weight | Cooking Time |
| 1-2 pounds | 1-1.5 hours |
| 2-3 pounds | 1.5-2 hours |
| 3-4 pounds | 2-2.5 hours |
| 4-5 pounds | 2.5-3 hours |
There are also other factors to consider when it comes to how long to boil pasteles, including:
- Size – You can make small, medium or large pasteles.
- Thickness – Some like more masa and less filling, or vice versa. The more masa there is, the longer it may take to cook.
- Type of masa – For example, masa heavy on plantains may take longer to cook.
How Long to Boil Frozen Pasteles?
Whether pasteles are fresh or frozen is another consideration when determining the total cook time; on average, frozen pasteles will take 10-15 minutes longer than fresh ones. Therefore, refer to the chart above and add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. The only way to ensure pasteles are done is to check them: take one out of the boiling water, carefully unwrap it and insert a tester (like a toothpick) into the center of the masa. If it comes out clean, the pasteles are ready.
