How to Make Nicaraguan Tamales

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while cornmeal is often less expensive.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Tofu provides a protein alternative, while canned beans are budget-friendly.

pork

🥗Healthier: lean turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Lean turkey reduces fat content, and chicken thighs are usually cheaper than pork.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

Parchment paper is healthier, while aluminum foil is more accessible.

Cut the chicken into pieces.

Prepare the chicken and pork with orange juice, blended tomato, bell peppers, onions, celery, and garlic.

Mix the blended ingredients into the masa.

Add lard to the masa and cook it in a pot until done.

Peel potatoes and slice them.

Take a spoonful of masa and place it on a piece of banana leaf.

Add a slice of potato, a slice of bell pepper, a slice of onion, and a piece of chicken on top of the masa.

Add mint leaves on top of the chicken.

Wrap the banana leaf around the filling and tie it up.

Place the wrapped tamales in boiling water to cook until done.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary