Dominican Sweet Potato and Cod Pastelón with Coconut and Sweet Peppers

Name: Dominican Sweet Potato and Cod Pastelón with Coconut and Sweet Peppers
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Dominicana
Ingredients: 1.1 lb salt cod; 2.6 lb sweet potato; 1 cup coconut milk; 6 oz shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup red onion; 3.5 oz sweet peppers; 1 tbsp garlic; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 large eggs; 0.5 cup fresh cilantro; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 cup water

An original Dominican-inspired pastelón made with layers of mashed sweet potato, cod stewed in sofrito with coconut milk and sweet peppers, then finished with melted cheese for a soft, savory texture.

30 minPrep

50 minCook

80 minTotal

6Servings

Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

500 g salt cod (remojado 12 horas and desalado, luego desmenuzado)
1200 g sweet potato (pelada and diced)
240 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
180 g shredded mozzarella cheese (for gratinar)
150 g red onion (chopped en cubitos)
100 g sweet peppers (chopped)
15 g garlic (majado or chopped fino)
30 g tomato paste (for the guiso)
45 ml olive oil (divided)
30 g butter (for the majado of batata)
2 units eggs (lightly batidos)
15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
2 g dried oregano (divided)
1 g black pepper (or to taste)
3 g salt (solo for the batata, ajustar with cuidado)
15 ml lemon juice (fresh)
60 ml water (for ajustar the guiso si hace falta)

Nutrition facts

per serving

432 kcal

Calories

28 g

Protein

31 g

Carbs

22 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

27 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyEggsFish

Instructions

1
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish about 9 x 13 inches with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
2
2. Cook the sweet potato in a pot of water until very tender, 18 to 22 minutes. Drain well and mash while still hot with the butter, eggs, salt, 1/2 teaspoon of the dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper until thick and smooth. Set aside.
3
3. While the sweet potato cooks, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the red onion and sweet peppers for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
4
4. Add the garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic does not burn.
5
5. Stir in the shredded cod, coconut milk, water, remaining dried oregano, lemon juice, and remaining black pepper. Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling is moist but not runny. Add the fresh cilantro and mix well.
6
6. Spread half of the mashed sweet potato into the greased baking dish. Cover with all of the coconut cod filling and spread it evenly.
7
7. Add the remaining mashed sweet potato on top, smoothing it with a spoon or spatula. Finish with the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface.
8
8. Bake the pastelón at 375°F (190°C) for 22 to 25 minutes, until heated through and the cheese has melted. If you want a deeper golden top, broil for 2 to 3 additional minutes at 425°F (220°C), watching carefully so it does not burn.
9
9. Let the pastelón rest for 10 minutes out of the oven before slicing. Serve hot.

Chef tips

For cleaner slices, let the pastelón rest for the full 10 minutes. If the cod still tastes too salty after soaking, change the water one more time before cooking.

Substitutions

You can replace the mozzarella with Dominican queso de hoja or another mild melting cheese. If orange sweet potato is unavailable, use white sweet potato and adjust the texture with 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of coconut milk if needed.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
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Illustrative image
Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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