Tamal de Costa Rica
Wrapped in banana or plantain leaves with tender meats, and a variety of vegetables, spices and herbs.
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 430 kcal
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Steamer pot
- Cutting board
- knife
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups of masa harina corn flour
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of annatto powder
- 1 pound of cooked pork shoulder shredded
- 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 1/2 cup of sliced green olives
- 8 banana leaves cut into 8-inch squares and lightly steamed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, vegetable shortening, baking powder, salt, cumin, and annatto powder. Mix well to form a smooth dough.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked pork shoulder, diced red and green bell peppers, diced onion, and sliced green olives. Mix well.
- Take one banana leaf square and spread about 1/2 cup of the masa dough onto the center of the leaf, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.
- Add a generous spoonful of the pork mixture onto the center of the masa dough.
- Fold the banana leaf lengthwise over the filling, then fold in the sides and tuck them under the tamale.
- Repeat steps 3 to 5 with the remaining banana leaves, masa dough, and pork mixture.
- Arrange the tamales in a large steamer pot and steam over medium heat for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the masa dough is firm and cooked through.
- Serve hot, with your favorite sauce or salsa.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Steaming the banana leaves before using them will make them more pliable and easier to work with. Make sure to leave a 2-inch border around the edges of the masa dough when spreading it onto the banana leaves, to allow for folding and sealing. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the masa dough evenly onto the banana leaves. If the dough is too dry, add a little more chicken broth to achieve a smoother consistency.Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 730mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g
Tried this recipe yet?Click the stars above or below to rate and/or leave a comment below!