Pastel de masa
A dough of green banana, taro and pumpkin wrapped around seasoned pork, tied in a plantain leaf and boiled. It is not a cake, despite what the Spanish word suggests elsewhere. It is Christmas and family gathering food that takes hours to make, which is why restaurants rarely carry it.
Example
In December families gather to assemble pasteles in a production line and everyone takes a frozen dozen home.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I try one outside of Christmas?
Sometimes, at criollo restaurants that run it as a daily special and at some lechoneras. Off season you have to ask.
Is it the same as a tamal?
The idea is close, but pasteles use green banana and taro dough instead of corn and are boiled in a plantain leaf.
