Puerto Rican-Inspired Recipes

Mama's Puerto Rican Chicken

My mom has a vast repertoire of recipes, and this extra-crispy, spiced-up chicken is the best one of the bunch. We love it served with a side of traditional red beans and rice. —Edwin Robles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Coconut Mango Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce

All the fun flavors of Puerto Rico come together in a dessert that's both exotic and familiar. Topped with a brown sugar rum sauce, it's even better with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. —Jennifer Jackson, Keller, Texas

Pina Colada

Velvety-smooth texture and a taste of the tropics are what this tropical drink delivers. The easy-to-make pina colada recipe can be mixed and chilled ahead of time. When ready to serve, just blend for a creamy and delicious beverage. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Banana Squares

When we were first married, my husband was in the Navy. Stationed in Puerto Rico, we had banana trees growing in our yard, so I found ways to use dozens of ripe bananas at a time. I made these banana squares often. They freeze well and make a great snack to have on hand when friends drop in for coffee. —Susan Miller, Raleigh, North Carolina

Nena's Papas Rellenas

A Cuban classic, these satisfying, crispy-coated potato balls are filled with a savory ground beef mixture known as picadillo. —Nena Linares, Los Angeles, California

Puerto Rican Coconut Pudding

Tembleque, or coconut pudding, brings back so many memories of the days my family would vacation in Puerto Rico to see my relatives. It was one of my favorite things to eat—I'm sure it will become a much-loved recipe with your family, as well. —Linette Serenil, Upland, California

Roasted Pork Shoulder

When I discovered Puerto Rican food, I was hooked. I’ve made this recipe my very own through trial and error, by researching ingredients and adding more or less of them to my taste. I think the results in this dish are just right. —Joanne Morgan, Kansas City, Missouri

Coquito

An all-time family favorite, this creamy coquito recipe features cream of coconut blended with cloves, cinnamon, vanilla and rum. —Evelyn Robles, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Picadillo in Pita Bread

I made many one-dish, top-of-the-stove meals while raising three children. After I'd worked all day, there was always something to do at home. That didn't leave much time to cook! —Shirley Smith, Orange, California

Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)

Feed a crowd with this authentic arroz con gandules recipe, which was handed down to me from my mom. It's a staple with the familia at all our gatherings. —Evelyn Robles, Oak Creek, Wisconsin