Belize-Tamales

You can't possibly come to Belize and not try a Tamale! That would be like going to the beach and not getting into the water!

What is a Tamale?

A tamale or bollo is a delicious traditional Mesoamerican dish made of corn dough (masa) which is filled with seasoned meat (chicken or pork) then steamed or boiled in plantain or banana leaves.

Tamales have been traced back to the Ancient Maya people, who prepared them for feasts as early as the Preclassic period (1200-250 BC).  Maya people called their corn tortillas and tamales both utah.

Here is a super yummy, easy to follow recipe provided by: Uj Janal Aj Maya a collection of traditional Maya cuisines by Aurora Garcia Saqui.

Making-Tamales

But first, you'll need to get two banana leaves! (Most international ethnic stores sell them- and once you wrap the tamale once, foil can seal the deal.)

Recipe makes 12 tamales

Roast the leaves directly over a fire or burner on both sides to soften. Cut each leaf into six pieces, three pieces on each side of the vein. Sponge each piece with a damp cloth and set aside. Save the veins for later.

Making the Cull (Red filling):

  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp annatto (red recado)
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 T oil
  • ½ lb masa
  • 1 cup water
  • Salt to taste

In a medium pot, mix the salt, pepper, annatto, bouillon, onion, garlic, and oil. Add the masa and water then bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove when it reaches boiling point and set aside.

Making the Tamale base:

  • 1 ½ lbs masa
  • ¾ cups oil
  • Some water
  • Salt to taste

Mix the masa with the oil, adding water until it is as soft as clay. Form into 12 balls. Place each ball on a piece of banana leaf. Flatten each ball into a tortilla shape.

Add one teaspoon of the cull to the center of each open tamale.

Chicken tamales: Take cooked chicken and add one piece of meat to each tamale.

Vegetarian tamales: Substitute chicken bouillon for vegetable bullion and add cooked greens or heart of palm.

Fold the masa over the filling, one side and then the other like an envelope. Next, fold the banana leaf over the tamale lengthwise and on the ends (If using foil, wrap a sheet of foil tightly to seal the tamale before steaming). Put the banana leaf veins on the bottom of the pot. Place the tamales on of the veins, and add water, but do not completely cover the tamales, and boil for one hour.

Once they have steamed the tamales/bollos will be firm. Let them cool a bit then enjoy!

Chaa Creek blog