Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/14 checked
12
servings
3 cup

Chicken Broth

2 cup

White Cornmeal (Arepa Flour)

1 tsp

Annatto Oil

14.5 unit

Diced Tomatoes

drained

0.5 cup

Italian Dressing

zesty

1 tbsp

Capers

1 cup

Cooked Chicken

shredded

1 cup

Cooked Pork

shredded

30 unit

Banana Leaves

10x6 inch

1 unit

Onion

thinly sliced

0.5 cup

Sliced Almonds

6 slice

Bacon

cooked, chopped

0.5 cup

Pimento-Stuffed Green Olives

1 unit

Red Pepper

thin strips

Step 1
~6 min

Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, gradually add chicken broth to the white cornmeal (arepa flour), stirring constantly until a soft dough forms.

Step 2
~6 min

Knead in annatto oil until well blended. The dough will be light yellow-orange in color.

Step 3
~6 min

Cover the dough with a clean, damp kitchen towel and set aside.

Step 4
~6 min

Prepare the filling: In a medium saucepan, cook diced tomatoes, Italian dressing, and capers on medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 5
~6 min

Add shredded cooked chicken and pork; cook for 5 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Step 6
~6 min

Set the filling aside.

Step 7
~6 min

Assemble the tamales: Spoon 1/4 cup of dough onto the center of one banana leaf and spread into a 5x3-inch rectangle.

Step 8
~6 min

Top with 1/3 cup of meat mixture, 1 onion slice, 1/2 tsp of nuts, 1 Tbsp of bacon, 2 olives, and 1 pepper strip.

Step 9
~6 min

Set aside.

Step 10
~6 min

Spoon 1/4 cup of the remaining dough onto the center of a second banana leaf and spread into a 6x4-inch rectangle.

Step 11
~6 min

Carefully place the second banana leaf, dough-side down, over the filling on the first banana leaf; press together gently.

Step 12
~6 min

Fold over the lengthwise sides of the leaves, then fold over both remaining sides to completely enclose the filling.

Step 13
~6 min

Tie closed with kitchen twine.

Step 14
~6 min

Repeat to make 12 tamales.

Step 15
~6 min

Steam the tamales: Pour 2 cups of water into an 8-quart stockpot fitted with a steamer basket.

Step 16
~6 min

Line the bottom of the basket with the remaining banana leaves; top with the tamales.

Step 17
~6 min

Cover with a lid.

Step 18
~6 min

Bring the water to a boil on medium-high heat.

Step 19
~6 min

Steam on medium-low heat for 1 hour or until the tamales pull away from the banana leaves, adding more boiling water to the pan when necessary.

Step 20
~6 min

Remove from the steamer and cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Make sure to tie the tamales tightly to prevent water from seeping in during steaming.

Check water level periodically to prevent scorching.

Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be made a day ahead and steamed before serving.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm.

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Salsa
Guacamole
Black beans
Rice

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Venezuela

Cultural Significance

A traditional dish often served during holidays and special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
New Year's Eve

Occasion Tags

Holiday
Celebration
Family Dinner

Popularity Score

75/100

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