Puerto Rican Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potatoes)

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.

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.”

This Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe is the perfect appetizer loaded with ground beef, melted cheese, and seasoned to perfection with homemade taco seasoning. The dish comes together quickly using Goya empanadas wrappers. This South American and Puerto Rican dish is perfect for any gathering, including Cinco de Mayo.

Arroz con gandules - Puerto Rican Rice with Pigeon Peas. Seriously the best rice you've ever had!

This scalloped potatoes recipe is a delicious holiday side dish! Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce and cheddar cheese, then baked until tender. Find make-ahead instructions in the blog post above.

Arroz Blanco is traditional Puerto Rican white rice cooked in a caldero (or a dutch oven). It's fluffy, dry, and delicious white rice that's the perfect accompaniment for many different meals!

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.