Firehouse Pastele Stew
- 4 pounds pork butt, cut into bite-size pieces
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 (1/3 ounce packages) achuete (annatto powder; available in Asian section)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) low-sodium diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) no-salt tomato paste
- 2 cans (6 ounces each) black whole pitted olives, drained
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced
- 2 bunches cilantro, chopped
- 1 bunches green onions, chopped
Banana dumplings:
- Salt for boiling
- 1 large very green banana (plantain banana), peeled and finely grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili oil or to taste (available in Asian section)