How to Make Honduran Tamales - A Step-by-Step Guide

Honduran tamales are a traditional dish that originates from the country of Honduras. Tamales are a popular food throughout Latin America, with each country putting its own unique spin on the dish. In Honduras, tamales are a beloved part of the country's culinary heritage and are often enjoyed during special occasions and holidays.

These tamales are made with a corn-based masa dough that is filled with a flavorful mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices. The filling can vary depending...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (4 pound) package masa harina (such as Maseca®), divided
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ cup ground cumin
  • 2 cubes chicken bouillon
  • salt to taste
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 3 cups vegetable oil, or to taste
  • 30 banana leaves
  • 3 ½ pounds cubed cooked pork
  • 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
  • kitchen twine

Information

  • Prep Time: 1 hr 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 30

  • Pour about 3/4 of the masa harina into a large pot. Add water in batches, mixing until a moderately thin batter forms.
  • Combine tomato, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, cumin, and bouillon in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into the pot with the batter and season with salt. Pour about 5 cups of this combined mixture into a smaller pot; add tomato paste and stir until it is an even red color.
  • Pour 2 cups oil into the large pot of batter; pour remaining 1 cup oil into the smaller pot of red batter. Bring both pots to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook until flavors set, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.
  • Cut banana leaves into 12x15-inch rectangles. Spoon 1 cup regular batter and 1/4 cup red batter into the center of each leaf. Add small amounts of pork, potatoes, rice, and peas. Fold leaf over the filling several times; fold sides in. Wrap twine around tamale to hold in place.
  • Place tamales in a large pot; cover halfway with water. Cover and cook over medium heat until filling has thickened, about 1 hour.
  • Nutrition

    552 cal.

    • Total Fat: 27g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 39mg
    • Sodium: 191mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 59g
    • Dietary Fiber: 10g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 22g
    • Vitamin C: 16mg
    • Calcium: 109mg
    • Iron: 6mg
    • Potassium: 690mg

    Categories

    Mole recipes