The Belize Pork Tamales Recipe consists of a mixture of seasoned pork and cornmeal that is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed until tender.
Servings 8Servings
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Belizean
Ingredients
16-18dried corn husks
2cupsof masa harinacorn flour
1½cupsof chicken or pork broth
1tspof salt
1tspof baking powder
1/3cupof vegetable shortening
2cupsof shredded pork
1cupof tomato sauce
1tspof cumin
1tspof chili powder
1tspof dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
Large mixing bowl
Steamer basket
Large Saucepan
skillet
Aluminum foil
Method
Soak the corn husks in hot water for at least 1 hour until they become soft and pliable.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the broth while mixing until the dough becomes smooth and soft.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded pork with tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
Pat dry a corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough on the center of the husk, leaving a 1-inch border at the bottom.
Add about 2 tablespoons of the pork filling on top of the masa dough.
Roll the husk tightly around the filling and fold the bottom end of the husk up. Tie the tamale with a strip of corn husk to keep it secure.
In a large pot, place a steamer basket at the bottom and add enough water to cover the basket. Bring the water to a boil and add the tamales in a single layer, standing up with the folded end facing down.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and steam the tamales over medium heat for about 60-75 minutes, or until the masa is firm and cooked through.
To save time, you can use store-bought salsa and chicken broth instead of making your own.You can make the filling and masa dough ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to assemble and steam the tamales.Use a kitchen scale to measure out the masa dough and filling to ensure each tamale is uniform in size.