If you’re looking to follow the keto diet and you love keto Puerto Rican food, it might seem like an impossible task to be able to eat food that doesn’t violate the keto eating plan. Fortunately, as this article explains, there are lots of delicious and nutritious keto Puerto Rican food options available, from tasty snacks to mouth-watering main dishes and even sweet treats! Let’s dig in!
Mofongo (the king of Puerto Rican cuisine)
Mofongo is a dish that is traditionally made with fried plantains. However, the keto version substitutes the plantains for cauliflower. This dish is then topped with a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces. It is hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in!
Other amazing dishes include Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), pasteles (a kind of stuffed pastry), pernil (slow-roasted pork), and bacalaitos (codfish fritters).
The best part about these dishes is they are all healthy options full of vitamins, minerals, protein, and other nutrients.
So ditch those calorie dense foods today and try these healthier recipes out instead!
Arroz con Pollo (a traditional dish made with chicken, rice, bell peppers, and olives)
This dish is not only delicious, but also keto-friendly and packed with nutrients! The chicken is a great source of protein, while the rice and bell peppers provide complex carbs and fiber. Olives add healthy fats to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
Want to make this dish even healthier? Add fresh spinach instead of using water in the recipe, which will give your body an added boost of vitamins and minerals.
Arroz con Coco (another way to eat rice that’s popular in the island)
Rice is a staple in Puerto Rico, but it’s not always the healthiest option. Enter arroz con coco, a keto-friendly version of the dish that’s just as delicious as the original. Made with coconut flour, this dish is packed with healthy fats and fiber, making it a great option for those on a ketogenic diet. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or main course.
Tamales de Platano Maduro (one of the most famous dishes on this list)
These amazing little Puerto Rican tamales are made with ripe plantains, stuffed with a flavorful mixture of pork, beef, and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. They’re usually served with a side of rice and beans, but on a keto diet, you can skip the carbs and enjoy them as is.
Keto Puerto Rican food is known for being hearty and filling, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be healthy too.
Also Read: Coughing After Eating Oily Food
Lechon Asado (Puerto Rico’s national dish)
Lechon Asado is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with roasted pork. It is often served at holidays and special occasions. This dish is keto-friendly, as it is low in carbs and high in protein. Plus, the flavorful spices used in the dish make it a truly unique and delicious meal.
If you’re not a fan of pork, then you can use chicken or even beef for this recipe. The next time you have family over to celebrate (or just need an excuse to show off your cooking skills), try making this Puerto Rican favorite for dinner.
Pasteles (traditional holiday treats)
Traditional pasteles are made with yuca and green bananas, which are high in carbs. However, you can make a keto-friendly version of this dish by using cauliflower or zucchini instead. This will still give you the traditional flavor without all the carbs.
It’s not just for holiday season though; these are also perfect for any day of the week! To get that crunchy texture back that yuca provides, try frying them until they crisp up (just like French fries). You can also try baking them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes if you want to keep it healthier.
