Tamales Ticos para Navidad (Receta Muy Fácil!)

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while cornmeal is more economical.

pork

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken

Turkey is leaner and chicken is often less expensive.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

Parchment paper is a healthier option while foil is more accessible.

Prepare banana leaves by cutting into rectangles and softening them over heat.

Cook pork with onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper until tender.

Shred the cooked pork and mix with diced potatoes, carrots, green beans, and bell peppers.

Prepare masa by mixing masa harina with water and salt until a dough forms.

Take a piece of banana leaf and spread a layer of masa onto it.

Place a spoonful of the pork and vegetable mixture in the center of the masa.

Fold the banana leaf over the filling to form a package, securing it tightly.

Repeat the process with remaining masa and filling.

Place the tamales upright in a steamer pot with water at the bottom.

Cover the tamales with additional banana leaves or a cloth.

Steam for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until masa is firm and cooked through.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary