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Puerto Rican lunch recipes

10 Authentic Puerto Rican Lunch Recipes You Must Try

This article introduces 10 authentic Puerto Rican lunch recipes, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of Puerto Rico. It covers classic dishes like Arroz con Gandules, Mofongo, and Pastellón, as well as street food favorites like Bacalaitos and Tostones. The article also provides tips for making these dishes at home, including variations and vegetarian options. 

  • Total Time: 35 minutes to several hours
  • Yield: 4-8 servings

Ingredients

  • Arroz con Gandules: Long-grain white rice, pigeon peas, sofrito, adobo seasoning, sazón seasoning, water, pork (optional).
  • Mofongo: Green plantains, garlic, pork rinds, chicken broth.
  • Roast Lamb (Sheep Asado): Lamb, garlic, oregano, adobo seasoning, citrus juices (orange, lime).
  • Pastellón: Ripe plantains, ground beef/chicken, onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, cumin, cheese, olive oil, vinegar, olives, egg (optional).
  • Sopa de Pollo: Chicken, potatoes, carrots, leeks, onion, celery, garlic, ginger, bay leaves, parsley, turmeric, peppercorns, sea salt, fideo noodles.
  • Bacalaitos: Salted cod, flour, spices.
  • Empanadillas: Dough, ground beef/chicken/vegetable filling, sofrito, olives, cheese.
  • Asopao: Chicken/seafood, rice, vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, green olives), spices, herbs.
  • Tostones: Green plantains, salt, oil.
  • Vegetarian Options: Lentils, mashed avocados, tembleque, arroz con dulce, garlic, onions, yautía, cassava.

 

Instructions

  • Arroz con Gandules: Rinse rice, sauté sofrito, add pork (optional), rice, pigeon peas, water, seasonings, cook.
  • Mofongo: Fry plantains, mash with garlic, salt, pork rinds, broth, shape into balls.
  • Roast Lamb (Sheep Asado): Marinate lamb, roast in oven or grill.
  • Pastellón: Fry plantains, cook meat filling, layer plantains, meat, cheese, bake.
  • Sopa de Pollo: Simmer chicken with vegetables, spices, add noodles.
  • Bacalaitos: Soak cod, simmer, mix with batter, fry.
  • Empanadillas: Prepare filling, fill dough, bake or fry.
  • Asopao: Cook chicken/seafood, add rice, vegetables, spices, herbs, simmer.
  • Tostones: Soak plantains, fry, smash, fry again.
  • Vegetarian Options: Use lentils for picadillo, mashed avocados for coquito, prepare plant-based desserts.

 

Notes

  • Puerto Rican cuisine features plantains, rice, beans, and spices.
  • Sofrito is a key ingredient.
  • Dishes can be adapted for vegetarian diets.
  • Both baking and frying are used in recipes.

 

  • Author: [email protected]
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes to overnight marinating
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes to several hours
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Cooking

Keywords: Puerto Rican lunch, Arroz con Gandules, Mofongo, Pastellón, Bacalaitos, Tostones, Puerto Rican recipes