The delicious tamales are one of the dishes that cannot be missing from the Costa Rican diet. They are pieces of corn dough filled with a meat and vegetable stew, which are then wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed, acquiring a delightful flavor.
This dish is not exclusive to Costa Rican cuisine, but it is very popular throughout Central and South America, known by different names depending on the country of origin; for example, in Venezuela they are called hallacas, bollos in Colombia, pasteles in Puerto Rico, and nacatamales in Nicaragua and Honduras.
Costa Rican tamales are typically filled with a stew made from pork meat, vegetables, sweet chili, and cilantro, truly a delight that you will want to enjoy during Christmas dinner.
There is another variation of the traditional Costa Rican tamal, the famous roasted tamal, which is a slightly sweet dessert with a unique texture made from dough, sugar, cheese, eggs, sour milk, sour cream, coconut, and spices. It’s the perfect accompaniment for those afternoons when we want to share a snack with friends along with a good cup of coffee. This type of tamal is baked in the oven and is very popular at Costa Rican celebrations, especially during Christmas and Holy Week, although nowadays it’s common to find them at any supermarket or bakery in the country.
The roasted tamal originates from Guanacaste, where it is common to obtain fresh ingredients derived from livestock, such as milk and cheese. These tamales are made by families who sell them through small businesses, so supporting these initiatives is highly recommended.
