How to Make Traditional Belizean Tamales (Step by Step)

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

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

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: canned chicken

Turkey is leaner, and canned chicken offers convenience.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasonings

Vegetable broth reduces calories and can be made from scraps.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: foil

Parchment is healthier and foil is more accessible.

Visit a local village to learn how to make masa from scratch.

Cook corn with white lime for about 30 minutes until soft.

Grind the cooked corn to make masa dough.

Marinate and cook chicken on a traditional Mayan fire hearth.

Debone the chicken and shred it for the tamales.

Gather banana leaves from the garden to wrap the tamales.

Mix the masa with water to achieve the right consistency for spreading.

Spread masa on banana leaves, place a spoonful of chicken mixture in the center, and fold the leaves over the filling.

Steam the tamales in a pot lined with banana leaves.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: