Nicaraguan Nacatamales Recipe
540kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups masa harina
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons annatto powder
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup potatoes diced
- 1 cup bell peppers diced
- 1 cup onions diced
- 1/2 cup pitted olives sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 8 banana leaves cut into 12x12-inch squares and softened
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl: To combine the masa dough ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Cutting board: To prepare and dice the vegetables and meat.
- Knife: To cut the vegetables, meat, and banana leaves.
- Steamer or large pot with a steamer insert: To steam the Nacatamales until cooked.
- Kitchen twine or strips of banana leaf: To secure the banana leaf packets.
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, vegetable shortening, salt, baking powder, and annatto powder. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooked pork or chicken, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives, raisins, and capers. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Take one softened banana leaf square and spread a thin layer of the masa dough onto it, leaving a border around the edges.
- Place a generous amount of the meat and vegetable mixture on top of the masa dough.
- Fold the banana leaf over the filling, then fold the sides inward to create a neat packet. Secure with kitchen twine or strips of banana leaf.
- Repeat the process for the remaining banana leaf squares and filling until all the ingredients are used.
- Steam the wrapped Nacatamales in a large pot or steamer for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the masa dough is cooked through and firm.
- Remove from heat and let the Nacatamales cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving.
Nutrition
Calories540kcalCarbohydrates55gProtein17gFat29gSaturated Fat7gPolyunsaturated Fat9gMonounsaturated Fat12gTrans Fat3gCholesterol30mgSodium777mgPotassium457mgFiber5gSugar2gVitamin A716IUVitamin C31mgCalcium153mgIron5mg
Notes
Soak the banana leaves in warm water for a few minutes to make them more pliable and easier to work with.
Prepare all the filling ingredients in advance to streamline the assembly process.
Have a clean, spacious workspace for assembling the nacatamales. If the masa dough is too dry, gradually add more warm water to achieve a smooth consistency. Steam the nacatamales in batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Allow the nacatamales to cool slightly before unwrapping to avoid burning yourself.
Have a clean, spacious workspace for assembling the nacatamales. If the masa dough is too dry, gradually add more warm water to achieve a smooth consistency. Steam the nacatamales in batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Allow the nacatamales to cool slightly before unwrapping to avoid burning yourself.