Back to Recipes Sancocho is more than just a dish in Puerto Rico; it’s a cultural cornerstone that warms both the stomach and the soul. This hearty stew, often described as a celebration of flavors, reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage and diverse influences. Traditionally made with a variety of root vegetables, plantains, corn, and an assortment of meats, sancocho is a prime example of Puerto Rican comfort food. In Puerto Rican households, sancocho is often prepared for special occasions, family gatherings, or as a remedy for cold, rainy days.…
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Sofrito: The Heart and Soul of Puerto Rican Cuisine
Back to Recipes Sofrito, a vibrant and aromatic seasoning, is the cornerstone of Puerto Rican cuisine. This flavorful blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices is the secret ingredient that elevates countless dishes, from hearty stews to simple rice and beans. At the heart of sofrito lies a harmonious blend of ingredients, each contributing its unique flavor and aroma. Typically, it includes a medley of onions, garlic, bell peppers, cilantro, and culantro. These ingredients are finely chopped and sautéed together until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized. The resulting mixture…
Read MorePuerto Rican Arroz con Dulce: A Sweet Taste of Tradition
Back to Recipes Puerto Rican cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, and arroz con dulce (sweet rice pudding) is one of its most beloved desserts. This dish, often reserved for special occasions and holiday celebrations, is a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage. At its core, arroz con dulce is made with simple ingredients: rice, coconut milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. These components, however, are transformed into something magical through slow cooking and care. The rice is soaked, cooked in spiced coconut milk until…
Read MoreBudin de Pan: A Puerto Rican Delight
Budin de Pan, a beloved Puerto Rican dessert, is a decadent bread pudding that will tantalize your taste buds. This rich and creamy treat is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in its preparation. Stale bread is soaked in a mixture of milk, cream, eggs, and a touch of vanilla extract, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. This aromatic mixture is then poured into a caramelized pan and baked to golden perfection.…
Read MoreArañitas: Little Spiders Puerto Rican Cooking
Arañitas are a popular Puerto Rican dish made from grated green plantains, seasoned, and then fried to crispy perfection. The word “arañitas” means “little spiders” in Spanish, which describes their appearance — shredded plantains are gathered and fried until they form a crispy, golden-brown shape reminiscent of a spider’s legs. They are commonly seasoned with garlic, salt, and sometimes a hint of pepper or other spices, giving them a savory and mildly sweet flavor that highlights the natural taste of the plantain. This dish is often served as an appetizer,…
Read MoreCooking with Platanos
The wonderful thing about plátanos (plantains) is that they truly are a versatile food. As a plátano ripens, its high starch content changes to sugar. Plátanos are good at any stage; it just depends on what you want to make. Plátanos are a relative of the banana, but are bigger, less sweet and need to be cooked before they are eaten. Plátanos also keep their shape when cooked, unlike bananas, which get mushy. Green or “unripe” plátanos are starchy vegetables. They can be used in soups, stews, boiled and mashed.…
Read MoreThe Boricua Kitchen | the Modern Puerto Rican Cook
The Boricua Kitchen A modern Puerto Rican cook should have several different sizes of calderos with lids. These pots are versatile and can be used to cook a lot of other foods besides rice. You can make beans and use them as deep fryers. Microwave . . . for fast dinners. You can make simple Puerto Rican rice in the microwave. You can cook a frozen pastel in the microwave by popping into boiling water for only 12 minutes on high. You should have at least one good pilón. How…
Read MoreFricase de Pollo
Back to Recipes Puerto Rican Fricase de Pollo Puerto Rican Fricase de Pollo is a hearty chicken stew with a rich tomato-based sauce. It's a classic comfort food, often featuring tender chicken, potatoes, olives, capers, and a blend of aromatic spices like oregano and sazón. The dish is simmered slowly until the flavors meld together, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Read MorePasteles de Masa | Pasteles Recipe
Back to Recipes Pasteles de Masa Pasteles are a beloved Puerto Rican dish made with a masa of grated green bananas or yuca, they're filled with a savory meat mixture (often pork or chicken) and wrapped in banana leaves. This combination creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Pasteles are typically enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, symbolizing tradition and family gatherings. Pasteles de Masa 4 lb carne de cerdo Sal 1/4 taza de aceite de achiote 10 hojas de Recao 1 cdta Orégano 1 pimiento verde – picado…
Read MoreBoricua Recipes | Recetas Boricua
Boricua Recipes – more coming soon Frituras Alcapurrias Bacalaitos Main Dishes Asopao de Camarones Asopao de Pollo Bacalao con Vianda Ensalada de Pulpo Fricase de Pollo Habichuelas Guisada Lechon Mofongo Pastelón Pernil Sancocho Seasonings Adobo Sofrito Side Dishes Arroz con Gandules Escabeche de Guineos Pasteles de Masa Tostones Desserts Arroz con Dulce Flan Tembleque Beverages Coquito
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