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These eggplant slices will melt in your mouth. Try topping them with just a spoonful of tomato or pesto sauce and a few gratings of fresh parmesan cheese.

Mamposteao rice is one of the best ways to enjoy red beans. Sometimes Chef Giovanna adds small diced baked ripe plantains for sweetness.

Salinas, a coastal town, claims creation of this recipe, and every Puerto Rican restaurant claims to make the best mojito. The traditional mojito preparation uses chicken bouillon cubes and a lot more oil; this lightened version is easy to make, keeps well refrigerated, and tastes marvelous on top of every catch from the sea.

This filling recipe features a dough made of yucca root instead of corn.

You haven’t been to Puerto Rico if you haven’t tried mofongo, green plantain that’s fried, mashed, and seasoned. Chef Giovanna seasons it with garlic and boils it instead of frying to make it healthier while still retaining its unique flavor.

This is the Puerto Rican version of Spanish escabeche (ceviche); its vinegary taste pairs beautifully when layered over starchy plantain mofongo. Escabeches are made with many different seafoods; try it with shrimp or octopus.

Coconut provides natural sweetness, greatly reducing the amount of sugar required.

Versions of this classic wine punch abound. This one is sweetened with fruit and orange liqueur, though add a bit of agave if you like. Vary with any fruit combination: melon, mango, grapes, berries.

These have a lightly charred exterior, with a succulent juicy interior and smoky flavor. A light coating of mildly spicy Chimayo chile adds an exotic, healthy kick. Serve with grilled bread. Delicious!