Authentic Puerto Rican Coquito

Coquito is a Puerto Rican rum and milk punch (similar to eggnog but different) that is made around the holidays. This coquito recipe is flavorful, rich and perfectly spiced.

Experimenta la riqueza de los sabores en la receta de coquito puertorriqueño de Que Rica Vida. Aprende a hacer coquito puertorriqueño.

This classic Puerto Rican Christmas cocktail is creamy, full of coconut flavor and warm spices, and the perfect drink to enjoy during the holidays.

Coconut kisses (besitos de coco) is the Spanish version of coconut macaroons. They are a favorite treat in the Caribbean and are much like a cookie.

According to Manolo Lopez, the Puerto Rican proprietor of the Smorgasburg food stand MofonGO, this mashed plantain dish is the “unofficial official dish of the islands.” Depending on the season, Mr. Lopez serves several versions — creole chicken, roast pork topped with a squiggle of pink Puerto Rican mayo-ketchup — all based on his mother’s recipe. Mr. Lopez makes the pork rinds from scratch; you don’t have to, but you should follow Mr. Lopez’ advice and eat this immediately after you make it. As mofongo cools, the mashed plantains begin to harden.

Pastelón is a layered Puerto Rican casserole of plantains, cheese and picadillo, a tomato-based ground beef mixture seasoned with onions, peppers, herbs and spices. The dish is often referred to as Puerto Rican lasagna, and to say there is only one real recipe for pastelón would be like saying there’s only one true lasagna. Variations abound! Some cooks boil the plantains and make a mash with taro; others fry them until they’re sweet and crisp. Nearly any mild, meltable cheese may be used, though there is debate over whether or not to add raisins. This recipe is adapted from from Natalia Vallejo, chef and owner of Cocina al Fondo in Santurce, Puerto Rico. She doesn’t serve pastelón at her restaurant, but she grew up eating it. Her version includes fried plantains, mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and raisins, because she says “Puerto Ricans like that sweet-and-salty mix.”

Using a classic Puerto Rican adobo seasoning — an island staple blend of garlic powder, oregano and black pepper — this recipe yields simple, savory roasted potatoes. They pair well with grilled meat and seafood, or make for a flavorful addition to any vegetable plate. The seasoning mix can be doubled or tripled (or more), with the rest stored in the pantry as an all-purpose seasoning, as it’s often used in Puerto Rican cooking to add instant flavor to stewed meats, beans and more. Roasted potatoes will keep for at least a week in the fridge, so make a big batch to snack on, add them to salads and soups, or smash and fry them for breakfast home fries.

Carne Frita (Fried Pork Chunks) are delicious pork chunks that are seasoned and marinated in Puerto Rican spices and then fried to golden perfection. Served with a delicious garlic sauce. Carne Frita can be served in several dishes for complete meals or as an appetizer.