How to Make Tamales
VIVA at Home
Tamales are an authentic Costa Rican tradition. We often use tamales to celebrate holidays when family and friends are able to gather. During this time when we’re unable to gather in person, it might be fun to try making these at home. You can perfect the recipe so that you’ll be ready for the celebration that comes when we can get together again.
From our kitchen, to yours. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
3c. (500g) Cornmeal
2.5c. (500g) Potatoes
14oz (400g) Pork Belly
2 heads of Garlic
3.5 oz (100g) Oregano
1/2c. (100g) Pork Fat or Lard
Pork Cooking Broth
1 1/2c. (300g) Rice
1 Red Pepper
3.5 oz (100g) Green Beans
3/4c. (150g) Carrots
Pork Preparation:
Place the pork belly in a pot with enough water to cover and boil.
Add garlic, oregano, and salt and bring to a boil.
Boil until cooked and then reserve.
Potato Preparation:
Cook the potatoes in water to prepare a puree.
Mixing it Altogether:
When the above is ready, strain the cooking broth and, in a large pot, mix it with the pork fat (lard).
When that is well dissolved, add corn flour and the papa mash to mix.
Bring to heat without stopping stirring until it is the right consistency.
Add salt to taste.
Vegetables must be blanched for 1min
Assembly:
Refer to the video above for assembly instructions.
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