Chipilín: South America's Famous Herb for Tamales

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal is more affordable.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Turkey is leaner, and canned chicken is budget-friendly.

pork

🥗Healthier: lean beef

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Lean beef is healthier, while chicken thighs are often cheaper.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

Parchment paper is healthier, and foil is more accessible.

Combine the masa, lard or butter, salt, chicken stock and chipilin leaves in a bowl. Cover the bowl with cling film and rest for 20 minutes.

Lay out a piece of banana leaf on a square of aluminum foil.

Put down a 2.5 oz spoonful of masa, making a dent in the center.

Put a .5 oz rectangle of cheese in the center, then roll up the tamal in the leaf with the aluminum foil. Try to make sure the masa forms a seal around the cheese.

Put the tamales in a steamer and cook for 2 hours, then allow to cool.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary