"Pasteles en hoja are the Puerto Rican relatives of tamales, and they’re available at Rincon Tropical on Michigan Avenue — one of the few established brick and mortar Puerto Rican eateries in town (though there are a number of informal, home-based Puerto Rican eateries throughout Southwest Detroit, if you’re lucky enough to know their whereabouts). Instead of using corn masa, pasteles en hoja utilize a base of savory, unripened plantain that’s mashed into a dough-like consistency and spread over a banana leaf. At Rincon Tropical, they’re available with pork or chicken. Be sure to call ahead as the hours here are said to be somewhat inconsistent. Round out the holiday festivities by whipping up a batch of coquito." - Serena Maria Daniels
