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.
See more from VIVA At Home:
“For me it’s a wild place that calls you out of yourself and into the world full of wonder” As the staff photographer for Florblanca, Santa Teresa has been my hidden treasure for years. This community is special to say the least. With my boys growing up and time slipping by, I knew now is […]
“I started washing dishes for Florblanca many years ago” Rual’s story is one of our amazing employees’ stories. He started willing to put in time and learn and has made strides each and every day. If we can learn anything from Rual, it would be don’t be afraid of humble beginnings, because you will eventually […]
“Being a father gave me the opportunity to completely open my heart.” The spirit of Florblanca here in Costa Rica is channeled through the jungle and wildlife that envelops us, through the ocean that is ever-present, and through the people that bring all this beauty to life. And Stefano sits at the heart and […]
It’s so easy to get lost in our busy lives. With all the details of our day-to-day existence, we can easily lose the connection with our true passion, our energy, and our spirit. This lost connection can be magnified to even greater degrees when we’re in a relationship. The journey we’re on together loses […]
