Tamales Colombianos
Steamed corn masa parcels filled with seasoned pork, potatoes, and olives, wrapped in banana leaves. A beloved Colombian comfort food perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
- Total time
- 90 min
- Servings
- 12
- Calories
- 385
- Protein
- 18g
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups corn flour (masarepa)
- 1.5 cups pork broth
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- 24 pieces banana leaves
- 24 olives green olives, pitted
- 6 eggs hard-boiled eggs, halved
Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, bring 3 cups water to boil. Add cubed pork, sliced onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Simmer for 30 minutes until pork is tender. Add diced potatoes and cook for 15 more minutes until potatoes are soft.
- 3
Drain the filling, reserving 1.5 cups of the broth for the masa. Set filling aside to cool slightly.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine corn flour, baking powder, salt, and cumin.
- 5
In another bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add corn flour mixture alternating with warm pork broth.
- 6
Beat until masa reaches a light, fluffy consistency. It should be spreadable but not runny.
- 7
Place a banana leaf on a work surface. Spread 3 tablespoons of masa down the center.
- 8
Top with 1 tablespoon of pork filling, 1 olive, and a piece of hard-boiled egg.
- 9
Fold banana leaf sides over filling, then fold up bottom and down top to create a secure parcel.
- 10
Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 12 tamales.
- 11
Add water to a large pot fitted with a steamer rack. Arrange tamales upright in the steamer with folded side down.
- 12
Cover and steam for 35-40 minutes. The masa should pull away easily from the banana leaf when cooked.
- 13
Let rest 5 minutes before serving hot with hot sauce or fresh salsa on the side.
Tools you’ll need
- large pot with lid
- steamer rack
- large mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- wooden spoon
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