Puerto Rican Recipes

Puerto Rican cuisine, known as cocina criolla, is a rich fusion of Taíno, Spanish, and African culinary traditions with American influences. Sofrito—a fragrant base of recao, peppers, garlic, and onions—is the foundation of most dishes. Mofongo (mashed fried plantains with garlic), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and lechón asado are iconic. Pasteles, pernil, and alcapurrias showcase the island's mastery of pork, root vegetables, and plantains. The cuisine is deeply tied to family and celebration.