How To Make Nicaraguan Nacatamales | La Cocina S2 - mitú

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

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

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: turkey

Chicken is leaner and turkey can be less expensive.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: parchment paper

💰Cheaper: aluminum foil

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

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and can be made at home.

Prepare banana leaves by softening them over heat until pliable.

Mix masa harina with chicken broth until smooth and set aside.

Cook pork with garlic, onion, and spices in a skillet until browned.

Add diced potatoes, carrots, and green bell pepper to the pork mixture and cook until tender.

Season the filling with salt, black pepper, and cilantro, stirring to combine.

Lay out a piece of banana leaf and spread a portion of masa in the center.

Add a scoop of the pork and vegetable filling on top of the masa.

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

Repeat the process until all ingredients are used up.

Place the nacatamales in a steamer basket and steam for 1.5 to 2 hours until cooked through.

Serve hot, unwrapped, and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: