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Tamale — traditional dish from Mesoamerica, Mexico
Snack Meat

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥450kcal
💪24gProtein
🌾50gCarbs
🥑20gFat
🌿6gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten 🥛 Dairy

Tamale

How to order / say it
Say it Tamal — [tah-mahl]
Order I'd like a Tamale, please.
Locally Me gustaría un Tamal, por favor.
Say locally

Corn dough filled with meats or beans, steamed in a corn husk.

Why try it?

Tamales are central to Mexican celebratory cuisine, reflecting centuries-old traditions of Mesoamerican culinary practices. They offer a comforting connection to both family and festivity.

How it tastes

The masa dough is soft and gently sweet, encasing a flavorful, aromatic filling. The steaming imparts a subtle earthiness and a hint of smokiness from the corn husk.

Origin & History

Tamales originated over 2000 years ago with the Aztecs and Mayans, developed as portable meals by wrapping in corn husks. By the 19th century, they became an integral part of Mexican religious and cultural celebrations.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 200 g masa harina
  • 100 g lard
  • 🥩 250 g chicken or pork
  • 🥕 10 pieces corn husks
  • 🥣 100 ml chili sauce

Method

  1. 1 Soak corn husks in water until pliable.
  2. 2 Mix masa harina with lard and broth until smooth.
  3. 3 Spread masa on husk, add meat filling, fold and steam for 1 hour.
  4. 4 Serve warm, garnished with chili sauce.

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All North America recipes — Mexico — Cancun — Tamale
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