Pasteles Prep Guide

Great pasteles start with the right texture. Watch the technique, then follow these steps before your first batch.

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Watch: green bananas in under 3 minutes

1. Assemble with the machine unplugged

Follow the assembly demonstration below. Fit the bowl, blade, and hopper as shown, and bolt the hopper on correctly. The machine will not turn on unless the hopper is secured. Keep fingers and utensils out of the hopper; use the pusher.

Assembly: watch before you start

The machine will not run unless the hopper is bolted on correctly. Always use the pusher; keep fingers and utensils out of the hopper.

2. Prepare large pieces

Peel the ingredients. Use large pieces that fit the hopper. Square the ends of green bananas; keep yautía and yuca/cassava whole when they fit. Avoid lots of small pieces. Curved calabaza pieces may leave small slivers.

3. Use the regular blade; grate separately

For pasteles masa, use the regular blade. Grate green bananas, yautía, yuca/cassava, calabaza, and plantains separately, then combine them according to your recipe.

4. Start empty, then feed steadily

Turn the grater on with an empty hopper, then begin feeding your ingredients. Do not leave it running empty between batches. Switch it off when you pause.

5. Stack and Push

As one piece gets low, place the next piece on top and apply steady pressure with the pusher. A small final remnant is normal: the pusher stops above the drum. Never try to reach the drum with fingers or utensils.

6. Give the motor a break

Motor warmth during use is normal. Do not touch the motor while the machine is operating. Pause between large batches and allow it to cool. Extended continuous use can trigger the thermal shutoff. If it stops, switch it off, unplug it, and allow it to cool before trying again.

7. Clean after use

Switch off and unplug the machine before removing any parts. Hand-wash the hopper. The bowl and blade are dishwasher-safe. Keep the motor base out of water and wipe it with a damp cloth. Handle the blade carefully.

Need a hand with your first batch?

I inspect each machine before it ships. If you need help with assembly or technique, get in touch and I’ll help you work through it. - Brian

Ask Brian

Ingredient guides: Green bananas · Yuca (cassava)