The Traditional Originating Tamal is a classic dish made with seasoned pork, rice, and vegetables, originating from Costa Rica. Its preparation involves a meticulous process that requires patience and love for cooking, culminating in a delicacy that embodies the essence of the Central American region.
The Traditional Originating Tamal is a traditional dish that combines flavors of pork, vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a firm dough wrapped in gently cooked banana leaves.
This process requires dedication and patience to achieve the authentic flavor and perfect texture.
Once ready, it is served with a homemade spicy sauce, completing the full gastronomic experience.
Traditional Originating Tamal
Ingredients
¼ cup of White rice
250 grams of Boneless pork shoulder, cut into small pieces
1 Half-cut onion
12 Peppercorns
1 teaspoon of Cumin
2 Thyme sprigs
1 Potato, cubed and blanched
¼ cup of Frozen peas
½ Finely chopped carrot
2 Finely chopped garlic cloves
1 teaspoon of Dried oregano
2 tablespoons of Chopped cilantro leaves
Cut banana leaves into squares
Spicy sauce
200 grams of Lard, at room temperature
3 cups of Dough flour
1 teaspoon of Baking powder
Sauce
½ Finely chopped white onion
½ Finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tablespoons of Finely chopped cilantro leaves
Preparation
Step 1 : To prepare this recipe, start by cooking the rice according to your preference and set it aside.
Step 2 : Next, place the pork in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding onion, peppercorns, cumin, and thyme, then cover with cold water.
Step 3 : Let it cook slowly with the lid on for about 2 hours until the pork is tender.
Step 4 : Then, let it cool down and strain the meat, discarding the liquid.
Step 5 : Shred the meat and mix it with potato, cumin, peas, carrot, garlic, herbs, and the previously cooked rice.
Step 6 : Store this mixture in the refrigerator until use.
Step 7 : To make the dough, beat the lard with an electric mixer for 5 minutes.
Step 8 : Combine the flour with water, add to the lard, and beat for 15 minutes until it becomes firm and non-sticky.
Step 9 : Add the baking powder, salt, and complete the mixture.
Step 10 : Then, heat the banana leaf squares over an open flame until they are soft.
Step 11 : Place a heaping spoonful of dough in the center of each leaf, followed by a heaping spoonful of the pork mixture.
Step 12 : Roll the leaves diagonally, folding the sides to enclose the filling.
Step 13 : Tie each package with a kitchen string and wrap with aluminum foil.
Step 14 : Boil for 45 minutes or until firm.
Step 15 : Remove from the water and let cool completely.
Step 16 : To prepare the sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl with salt.
Step 17 : Serve the tamales with the sauce and hot sauce, according to each person's taste.
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