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Costa Rican Christmas Tamales Recipe

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Classic Dishes and Food From Costa Rica
Classic Dishes and Food From Costa Rica from matadornetwork.com

Description

Christmas is a special time of the year in Costa Rica, and one of the most important traditions is the making of tamales. These tamales are made with corn dough, pork, rice, vegetables, and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until cooked. The process of making tamales is a family affair that involves everyone, from grandparents to grandchildren. It is a time to come together, share stories, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Prep Time

The preparation time for making Costa Rican Christmas tamales is approximately 3 hours.

Cook Time

The cook time for making Costa Rican Christmas tamales is approximately 4 hours.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. of pork shoulder, cut into small pieces
  • 2 lbs. of corn dough
  • 1 lb. of rice
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 cups of chicken broth
  • 20 banana leaves

Equipment

  • A large pot
  • A steamer basket
  • A blender or food processor
  • A large bowl
  • A sharp knife
  • A cutting board

Method

  1. Soak the banana leaves in warm water for 30 minutes.
  2. Sauté the pork in a large pot with vegetable oil until browned.
  3. Add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken broth and rice to the pot and bring to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
  6. In a large bowl, mix the corn dough with 2 cups of water until it forms a smooth paste.
  7. Add the pork and rice mixture to the corn dough and mix well.
  8. Drain the banana leaves and cut them into 8-inch squares.
  9. Place 2 tablespoons of the corn dough mixture in the center of each banana leaf square.
  10. Wrap the banana leaf around the corn dough mixture, folding the sides in and rolling it up like a burrito.
  11. Place the tamales in a steamer basket and steam for 3-4 hours or until cooked.
  12. Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them cool for 10 minutes.
  13. Unwrap the banana leaves and serve the tamales hot.

Notes

  • This recipe makes approximately 20 tamales.
  • You can substitute chicken or beef for the pork.
  • If you don't have banana leaves, you can use corn husks instead.
  • Tamales can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Info

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure to soak the banana leaves in warm water for at least 30 minutes to make them pliable.
  • Use a steamer basket to cook the tamales evenly.
  • Don't overfill the tamales, as they will expand during cooking.
  • Make sure the tamales are cooked all the way through by checking the center with a toothpick.
  • Add your favorite hot sauce or salsa to the tamales for an extra kick of flavor.

Enjoy this traditional Costa Rican Christmas tamale recipe with your family and friends. It is a delicious and unique way to celebrate the holiday season.


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