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Tamal de Olla Boqueteño — traditional dish from Boquete, Panama
Main course Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥800kcal
💪40gProtein
🌾70gCarbs
🥑35gFat
🌿5gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Tamal de Olla Boqueteño

How to order / say it
Say it Tamal de Olla Boqueteño — [Ta-mal de O-ya Bo-ke-te-nyo]
Order I'd like the Tamal de Olla.
Locally Quisiera el Tamal de Olla.
Say locally

A savory corn cake cooked in a pot.

Why try it?

This dish embodies the versatility of corn in Boquete's kitchens, often served during special occasions and is a comfort food for many locals.

How it tastes

Soft and buttery, with a savory filling of seasoned meat and spices wrapped in smooth corn dough.

Origin & History — first documented: 1875

Originating from indigenous traditions pre-dating the Spanish, these tamales adapted local flavors in the late 19th century, becoming a hallmark of Boquetean cuisine.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 300 g corn dough
  • 🥩 400 g pork or chicken
  • 🧄 100 g onions
  • 🥕 100 g red peppers
  • 🌿 20 g coriander
  • 🫒 50 ml achiote oil

Method

  1. 1 Sauté meat with onions and peppers.
  2. 2 Add the meat mixture to softened corn dough.
  3. 3 Cook in a pot until firm and aromatic.
All Central America recipes — Panama — Boquete — Tamal de Olla Boqueteño
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