Arroz con gandules is a very popular Puerto Rican rice dish. Rendered pork fat and spices flavor the rice before the pigeon peas are added and the whole lot is steamed until fluffy and soft. You’ve probably seen, if not tasted, Arroz con Gandules if you’ve ever had the honor of being invited to a Puerto…
Puerto Rican
Mofongo Burgers (Burgers on Mashed Plantain Buns)
Hey, friend! Grilling season seems to be drawing to a close- at least for me- so I want to hit you with my best burger recipe. Mofongo is a dish that’s super popular in Puerto Rico. Burgers are a classic staple recipe in the US of A. So, what does my half-Black, half-Puerto Rican soul…
Pernil (Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder)
Let me tell you about the time my husband almost stabbed a guest in our home over the skin you see in the photo above. It was traumatic. It was scary. Totally justifiable, but still scary. That right there sitting atop that mound of deliciousness is chicharrón. Pork rind. Crackling. Heaven. It is one of…
Rellenos de Papa (Picadillo-Stuffed Potato Fritters)
Is it a potato or a snack? It’s both! My Rellenos de Papa, also known as Papa Rellena, are an optical illusion. They look like a potato, but when you bite through their crisp exterior, a savory meat filling is there to greet you. Lately, I’ve been on this cuchifrito kick. It might be that I’ve…
Pinchos (Puerto Rican Grilled Pork Kebabs)
OOOP! Better watch out! Hector’s making his hand modeling-career debut! You don’t even know how excited I am to give you this recipe for Pinchos. If you have a day for marinating and a grill, this is going to be your next favorite recipe. Dozens of Hispanics (and people who live amongst them) can’t be…
Puerto Rican Sofrito- Authentic Culantro Cooking Base
This is a picture of Green Gold, my friend. It’s commonly known as sofrito, or sometimes, recaito. No matter what it’s called, this flavoring blend, used in most Caribbean cuisines, is money. I once knew a family in Brooklyn who got busted in a sting for operating an illegal sofrito supply chain. Word on the…
Adobo Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning
Well, well, well! It seems as though food is more controversial than anyone expected it to be. Today, ladies and gentlemen, we will learn that we can make any thing we want to. Yes, even spice blends that we only thought to buy before can (and should) be made at home. As a woman who…
Sazón Seasoning with NO MSG
*I wrote this post days before the CEO of the world’s largest Hispanic food supplier made polarizing comments. As a result, images include the original product.* Go into any Hispanic or Black person’s kitchen and you’ll probably find a box of Sazón there. This flavor enhancing spice blend is a favorite, especially amongst Caribbean-dwellers. Because…
Mojitos: Cocktails Done Puerto Rican Style
The weekend is approaching and we’re in need of a little tipple. Yesterday was our twins’ 15th birthday and I’m still depressed about it. Mojitos are my go-to libation when I feel a cocktail is in order. It requires no fancy tools, no complicated recipe, and nothing that you wouldn’t have on hand in your…
Bistec Encebollao (Cube Steak Smothered in Onions)
Bistec Encebollao makes use of under-appreciated cube steak. Normally tough steaks are seared quickly with fragrant onions after marinating, which later creates a simple, flavorful pan sauce. Raise your hand if you’re still having a difficult time locating the cuts of meat you want. Some people think a virus means a “beef shortage”, so, these…
