Pasteles al Mojo de Ajo
Pasteles al Mojo de Ajo is a beloved Puerto Rican dish featuring tender, marinated meat (often pork or chicken) slow-cooked in a rich garlic and olive oil sauce. It's a staple comfort food, typically served with sides like rice, beans, and fried plantains, showcasing the island's Spanish and Caribbean culinary influences.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with moderate carbs depending on the cut of meat and any added starches. A typical serving provides a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, with a calorie range of approximately 400-600 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 10 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Zinc | 5.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.2 mcg |
| Selenium | 28 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 9 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
Per 1 serving (approx. 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, 'mojo de ajo' is a signature garlic sauce technique shared across Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Latin American cuisines, but the Puerto Rican version often incorporates local herbs like recao (culantro). Nutritionally, the generous use of garlic offers potential anti-inflammatory benefits, while the slow-cooking method helps tenderize the meat and meld flavors deeply.
