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2. Costa Rican Tamal de Maicena Recipe 2

Costa Rican Tamal de Maicena

5 from 1 vote
A traditional Costa Rican dessert known for its delicious flavor and unique texture.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Calories: 466
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of cornstarch maicena
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • Banana leaves for wrapping
  • Raisins and chopped nuts almonds, pecans, or walnuts for filling.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spoon for mixing
  • Pot for boiling water
  • Steamer or colander
  • Knife for cutting banana leaves

Method
 

  1. Soak the banana leaves in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Cut them into squares (about 12x12 inches) and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the milk, coconut milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well until you get a smooth batter.
  5. Place a banana leaf square on a flat surface and spoon some of the batter onto it. Add some raisins and chopped nuts on top of the batter.
  6. Fold the banana leaf to form a packet, making sure that the batter is fully enclosed.
  7. Repeat until all the batter is used up.
  8. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the tamal packets and cook for about 30-45 minutes or until the batter is firm and the tamal is fully cooked.
  9. Remove the tamal packets from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip and Tricks

Soak the banana leaves in warm water for at least 30 minutes to make them more pliable and easier to fold.
Use a steamer or colander to keep the tamal packets upright while they cook.
Use an electric mixer or blender to mix the ingredients for a smoother batter.