Hallacas or VenezuelanTamales are a traditional Christmas dish hailing from Venezuela,beloved for their rich flavors and cultural significance and easy to cook.

These hearty parcels are made with a cornmeal dough filled with a savory mixture of meat, typically beef or pork, along with raisins, olives, and various spices. The filling is then wrapped in plantain leaves, which impart a unique aroma and flavor during the cooking process.

The history of hallacas dates back to the colonial era in Venezuela, blending indigenous, African, and Spanish influences into a festive culinary tradition. Originally prepared by women in large gatherings, hallacas symbolize unity, family ties, and the spirit of Christmas celebrations in Venezuelan culture. Over time, different regions and families have added their own variations to the recipe, making each batch of hallacas a deeply personal and cherished part of holiday festivities.

Ingredients:

- Cornmeal

- Meat (beef or pork), cooked and shredded

- Raisins

- Olives, pitted and sliced

- Spices (e.g., cumin, paprika, salt, pepper)

- Plantain leaves (for wrapping)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the cornmeal dough by mixing it with water and a pinch of salt until it forms a smooth, pliable consistency.

2. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked and shredded meat with raisins, sliced olives, and your preferred spices.

3. Take a piece of plantain leaf and spread a thin layer of the cornmeal dough on it.

4. Place a portion of the meat mixture in the center of the dough.

5. Fold the plantain leaf over the filling to form a rectangular parcel, securing it with kitchen twine if needed.

6. Steam the hallacas for about 1-2 hours until the dough is cooked and the filling is heated through.

7. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious Venezuelan Christmas tradition!

Nutrition Value:

1. Cornmeal

  - Calories: Approximately 100 calories per 1/4 cup (dry)

  - Carbohydrates: About 20-22 grams per 1/4 cup (dry)

  - Protein: Around 2-3 grams per 1/4 cup (dry)

  - Fat: Less than 1 gram per 1/4 cup (dry)

  - Sodium: Minimal, usually less than 5 milligrams per 1/4 cup (dry)

  - Cholesterol: Zero cholesterol

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and B vitamins (especially niacin and thiamine)

  - Nutritional benefits: Cornmeal is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy, and it contains some protein and essential minerals, particularly iron.

2. Meat (beef or pork), cooked and shredded

  - Calories: Varies depending on the cut and preparation, but roughly 200-300 calories per 3-4 ounces (cooked)

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal, usually less than 1 gram per serving

  - Protein: Around 20-25 grams per 3-4 ounces (cooked)

  - Fat: Varies based on the cut and cooking method, usually 10-20 grams per 3-4 ounces (cooked)

  - Sodium: Depending on seasoning, can range from 50-300 milligrams per serving

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 60-80 milligrams per 3-4 ounces (cooked)

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains iron, zinc, B vitamins (especially B12), and phosphorus

  - Nutritional benefits: Meat provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, iron for blood health, and other vital nutrients depending on the type and cut.

3. Raisins

  - Calories: Around 85 calories per small box (1.5 ounces)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 22 grams per small box

  - Protein: About 1 gram per small box

  - Fat: Minimal, usually less than 1 gram per small box

  - Sodium: Very low, typically less than 5 milligrams per small box

  - Cholesterol: Zero cholesterol

  - Vitamins and minerals: Rich in potassium, iron, and B vitamins (especially B6)

  - Nutritional benefits: Raisins offer natural sweetness along with dietary fiber, antioxidants, and various essential nutrients like potassium and iron.

4. Olives, pitted and sliced

  - Calories: Approximately 25 calories per tablespoon (sliced)

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram per tablespoon

  - Protein: Almost negligible, less than 0.5 grams per tablespoon

  - Fat: Around 2-3 grams per tablespoon, primarily healthy monounsaturated fats

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation, but typically around 100-200 milligrams per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: Zero cholesterol

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin E, iron, copper, and calcium

  - Nutritional benefits: Olives provide healthy fats, antioxidants like vitamin E, and small amounts of essential minerals.

5. Spices (e.g., cumin, paprika, salt, pepper)

  - Calories: Very minimal, negligible in practical amounts

  - Carbohydrates: Almost negligible, mainly from trace amounts in spices

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Varies based on the type and amount used

  - Cholesterol: Zero cholesterol

  - Vitamins and minerals: Some spices may contain small amounts of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C in paprika or iron in cumin.

  - Nutritional benefits: Spices add flavor and aroma without significant calories, offering potential health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties (e.g., turmeric) or antioxidant effects (e.g., paprika).

6. Plantain leaves (for wrapping)

  - Calories: Not typically consumed in significant quantities for caloric content

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal, primarily from dietary fiber

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Very low, almost negligible

  - Cholesterol: Zero cholesterol

  - Vitamins and minerals: Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber

  - Nutritional benefits: Plantain leaves are used as wrappers and are not usually eaten, but they may impart some nutrients if the food is cooked inside them (e.g., steaming).