Paches

Step by stepInstructions

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until very soft; drain and mash until smooth, with no lumps.
2. Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and soaked chile with a splash of broth; simmer the recado for 10 minutes and toss half of it with the shredded meat.
3. Whip the lard with the achiote until fluffy, then beat in the mashed potatoes, masa harina, remaining recado, and warm broth until you have a soft, spreadable dough; season with salt.
4. Cut banana leaves into 10-inch squares, spoon the potato dough into the center of each, top with the meat filling, and fold into neat packets tied with string.
5. Steam the paches upright over medium heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the dough is firm and pulls away from the leaf.
6. Rest for 10 minutes and serve warm, unwrapped, with a squeeze of lime if you like.