Cuban cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich in flavors, and one of the most popular dishes is the Cuban tamale. Also known as tamal, tama or tamale, this iconic Cuban dish is a staple at family gatherings and special occasions.
If you’re looking for an authentic Cuban tamale recipe to make at home, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will guide you through the process of making perfectly delicious Cuban tamales with these easy steps.
What are Cuban Tamales?
Cuban tamales are made from masa harina, or corn dough, which is then stuffed with a variety of fillings before being wrapped in banana leaves or waxed paper and steamed. The most popular fillings are pork, chicken, and vegetables, and the tamales are then garnished with a flavorful red sauce or salsa made from tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic.
Cuban tamales are a popular dish served at family gatherings and special occasions. They can be enjoyed as both an appetizer and a main course, and are typically served with Cuban black beans and white rice.
Ingredients for Authentic Cuban Tamales
To make authentic Cuban tamales, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of masa harina
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of cubed cooked pork or chicken
- 1/2 cup of pimento-stuffed green olives
- 1/2 cup of roasted red pepper strips
- the juice of 1 lime
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 a cup of sliced onion
- 1/2 cup of diced green pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
How to Make Authentic Cuban Tamales
1. Prepare the Masa
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, vegetable oil, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth dough.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed pork or chicken, olives, roasted red peppers, lime juice, garlic, cumin, onion, green pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the pork or chicken is fully cooked and heated through.
3. Assemble the Tamales
Spread the masa dough onto the center of a banana leaf or waxed paper. Place a generous spoonful of the filling onto the center of the dough, and then fold the banana leaf or waxed paper over the filling to form a tamale.
4. Steam the Tamales
Place the tamales in a steamer basket, cover, and steam over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until the masa is cooked through.
5. Make the Salsa
While the tamales are steaming, prepare the salsa. In a medium saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened.
6. Serve the Tamales
Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the steamer. Serve the tamales with the salsa and enjoy!
Conclusion
There you have it, an easy and delicious recipe for making authentic Cuban tamales at home. With just a few simple ingredients and an hour of your time, you can enjoy this iconic Cuban dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Remember to serve it with the flavorful red salsa for the full Cuban experience. Enjoy!
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