Aqui, todo tipo de receita tem espaço!
Delicious Tamales: A Traditional Brazilian Recipe
Prep
20 min
Cook
30 min
Total time
50 min
Yield
4 servings
Difficulty
EASY
Calories
350 kcal

Quick summary

“These delicious Tamales are a delicious recreation of Mexican cuisine, with a unique flavor made with corn flour and chicken meat. They are easy to make and result in a tasty meal.”

What you need to know

  • Fresh and organic ingredients for a healthy and nutritious dish.
  • Short preparation time, ensuring the flavor is maintained.
  • Use of banana leaf, a traditional leaf in the preparation of tamales, providing a unique flavor.
  • Easy-to-hold recipe, suitable for those who are in a fast pace.
  • Possibility of flavor customization through the addition of seasonings and spices.

Ingredients

Main

  • 2 cups of cornmeal
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 500 g of shredded chicken meat
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of chicken seasoning
  • 12 banana leaves
  • Parsley and chives to taste

Instructions

Principal

  1. Start by preparing the filling: heat the olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
  2. Add the shredded chicken and the seasoning, cooking for 5 minutes.
  3. Add chopped parsley and chives and set the filling aside.
  4. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal with warm water until a homogeneous dough forms.
  5. Cut the banana leaves into 20 cm squares and apply a thin layer of batter.
  6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and fold the leaves, forming packets.
  7. Place the packets in a steamer pot and cook for 1 hour.
  8. Check that the tamales are firm and well-cooked before removing from the steam.

Chef's tips

  • Use quality cornmeal to ensure a more homogeneous result.
  • Cook the banana leaves to facilitate the wrapping process.
  • Add additional seasonings, such as pepper or oregano, to give an extra touch of flavor.

Variations

  • Add dried fruits, such as plums or peanuts, to the filling for a more nutritious version.
  • Substitute olive oil with coconut oil for a healthier version.
  • Add dried herbs, such as mint or manjeroba, to the filling for a touch of flavor.

Substitutions

  • Replace the chicken meat with oat meat for a vegetarian option.
  • Use olive oil instead of oil.
  • Replace corn flour with wheat flour for a lighter version.

How to store

Store in an airtight container and refrigerated. Lasts up to 3 days.

Can it be frozen?

  • Não se pode congelar.
  • Tamales do not thaw well and lose consistency, not recommended.
  • The tamales can be thawed and served hot, but the consistency may not be the same.

What to serve with

  • Fresh parsley and green onions to season individually.
  • A green leaf salad to balance the flavor of the filling.
  • A chilled drink, such as fruit juice, to complement the meal.

Frequently asked questions

I can't find olive oil, what can I substitute?

You can use coconut oil or olive oil as a substitute.

How do I add more flavor to the filling?

Add seasonings like pepper, oregano, or any other you like.

How do I avoid not having enough filling?

Add more chicken meat or more filling of your choice.

How do I avoid having insufficient filling?

Add more chicken meat or more filling of your choice.

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