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Tamales Salvadoreños

Tamales Salvadoreños: Discover the Heart of Homemade Comfort

Experience the delightful flavors of Tamales Salvadoreños, a labor of love filled with savory chicken and vibrant vegetables.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 tamales
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Masa Dough
  • 2 cups masa harina Use nixtamalized corn flour for the best texture.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Essential for enhancing flavor; adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Can be substituted with vegetable oil.
For the Filling
  • 1 medium onion Opt for yellow or sweet onions.
  • 2 cloves garlic Fresh garlic infuses depth.
  • 1 medium green bell pepper Adds sweetness; can swap for sweeter peppers.
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable or chicken bouillon powder Boosts flavor.
  • 1 cup red beans Use canned or pre-cooked for convenience.
  • 1 medium tomato Provides moisture and acidity.
For Wrapping
  • 6 pieces banana leaves Traditional wrappers that impart unique flavor.
  • 6 sheets parchment paper Offers extra support while wrapping.
  • 1 roll cooking twine Secures the tamales during steaming.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Stand mixer
  • blender
  • steaming rack
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tamales Salvadoreños
  1. In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped tomato. Sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 1 cup of cooked red beans, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for another 10 minutes. Blend until smooth and set aside.
  2. In a medium skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the remaining onion, garlic, and 1 diced green bell pepper until softened. Transfer this mixture to a blender, blend with 1 cup of water until smooth. In a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of masa harina, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of bouillon powder. Gradually add in the blended mixture until a soft dough forms.
  3. To make the banana leaves pliable, immerse each square in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and pat dry.
  4. On a piece of parchment paper, lay out a banana leaf. Scoop 2 tablespoons of masa dough onto the leaf, slightly flatten. Add about 2 teaspoons of filling in the center. Fold the edges over and secure with cooking twine. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  5. In a large Dutch oven, arrange a steaming rack. Place tamales upright and pour boiling water until just below them. Cover and steam for 1.5 hours, checking water level to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tamaleCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Tamales Salvadoreños can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours, stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat by steaming or microwaving wrapped in damp paper towel.

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