Types of tamales
Tamales are a Latin American dish of indigenous origin that combines cooking with grape leaves, bananas, corn, among other ingredients. So also with a delicious filling made with cereals, vegetables, fruits and/or meats. In Mexico they are the protagonists of the festivity celebrated every February 2, the Day of the Candelaria. During that day, images of the Child Jesus are brought to be blessed before being put away until Christmas of the following year. In addition, on January 6, images of the Child are hidden in king threads and, whoever gets it, he is obliged to receive everyone with tamales. And, if you have wondered what the origin of the word tamal is and what tamal means, we tell you that the origin of the word derives from the Nahuatl tamalli and means carefully wrapped, wrapped bread or corn bun wrapped in leaves and cooked in a pot.
Chiapas tamale
Each area of Mexico has given rise to different types of tamales according to the characteristic ingredients of the area. In the state of Chiapas, in the south of the country, chiplín tamales with chicken are famous. The chiplín is a plant used in the preparation of the dough that gives it a particular flavor. Don’t stop trying them!
Peruvian tamales
If we think of the tamales of Machu Picchu, the green tamales are the most traditional, especially those from the north of the country. The main ingredient to make green tamale consists of flavoring and coloring them with coriander, a wild plant native to South America. We point out that it has nothing to do with coriander. Well, you can accompany these green tamales with Creole sauce or serve them as an accompaniment to other Peruvian dishes, such as Chinchaga dry soup.
Oaxaca tamale
This denomination is common in the area of the Federal District, in Mexico. It refers to tamales made from banana leaves. On the web we share with you a variety of tamale recipes that you can transform into different types of Oaxaca tamales, changing the corn leaves for banana leaves. In addition to the ones you find in this post, you can try the strained tamales, with an achiote and tomato sauce accompanied with chicken.
Honduran Tamales
Also known as nacatamales, these are tamales wrapped in banana or plantain leaves. In Honduras they are traditionally prepared for parties and, unlike the different types of Mexican tamales, they combine rice, vegetables and meats in their filling, instead of dough. Honduran tamales are unamicable!
Colombian tamales
As in other Latin American countries, Colombia is not far behind with its tamales. For example, the tamales from Valle del Cauca are delicious and a classic of the holidays in December. Learn how to make valley tamales step by step and entertain your guests with a dish full of flavor.
Chihuahua tamales
In the area of Chihuahua, Mexico, the filling of corn husk tamales usually combines pork meat and red chilies to perfection. That’s why red tamales are a great example. Find in the recipe the best tips for a delicious result and discover how to make them with your favorite protein. In addition, you can adapt it to the degree of spiciness that you like. Do not miss it and try the red tamale, you will love it!
Sweet tamales
Who said that we can only taste tamales with savory fillings? Novella tamales are one of the many versions that you can make of the corn husk tamale, but what stands out is that they are sweet. The hazelnut cream is the surprise factor of this recipe. Enjoy it in an original dish, where it is combined with the soft dough used for tamales. Surprise your guests with this delicious dessert!
Rajas tamales
Rajas are roasted chili peppers cut into strips that work as the main ingredient in a wide variety of Mexican recipes. In this dish, they are combined with a fluffy dough, tomato, cheese and a slight spiciness. Follow the step by step to make the best rajas tamales. Delicious!
Chicken tamales
In case you have not tried it before, we will tell you that chicken meat is soft, although somewhat tastier than chicken, thanks to its higher fat content. Try it as a filling for these chicken tamales, combined with delicious ingredients such as potatoes, chickpeas, tomato sauce, and capers, among others. MMM!
Fruit tamales
As we told you in this post, tamales are not exclusively salty, in fact, fruit tamales are a classic. What’s your favorite fruit? We recommend you try the sweet strawberry tamales or the coconut pineapple tamales, although you can also use these recipes as a base and replace the fruit with the one you like best.
Corn tamales
If you are looking for another version of the classic Mexican tamale recipe based on corn dough, you can try these corn and meat tamales. These tamales are filled with a creamy corn dough and a portion of pork stewed in a delicious sauce based on onion, tomato and roasted chilies. Unamicable!
Vegetarian tamales
If you choose to follow a vegetarian type of diet, you can replace the meat tamales with ones filled with vegetables, which are just as tasty. We suggest you make chard tamales, vegetable tamales, purslane tamales or pumpkin tamales, although you can also make your vegetarian tamales with your favorite vegetables, even if you eat meat, because they are exquisite. Of course you could also try the bean tamales, which provide a large amount of protein, ideal for vegetarians.
