Discover how to make Nacatamales, a classic Nicaraguan dish featuring savory tamales wrapped in banana leaves. This recipe combines masa, tender pork, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful and authentic taste of Nicaragua. Perfect for festive occasions or a delicious family meal!

Ingredients:

For the Masa:

 - 4 cups masa harina (corn dough flour)

 - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

 - 1/2 cup lard or vegetable oil

 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

 - 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

 - 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks

 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

 - 1 onion, finely chopped

 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1 bell pepper, diced

 - 2 tomatoes, chopped

 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced

 - 1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon paprika

 - 1 teaspoon oregano

 - Salt and pepper to taste

For Wrapping:

 - Banana leaves, cut into squares (or use parchment paper as a substitute)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

 - Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chunks and cook until browned on all sides.

 - Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

 - Stir in the carrots, potatoes, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the pork is fully cooked. Set aside.

Prepare the Masa:

 - In a large bowl, mix the masa harina, baking powder, and salt.

 - Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth and lard (or vegetable oil), mixing until a smooth dough forms.

Assemble the Nacatamales:

 - Cut the banana leaves into squares, about 8x8 inches. If using fresh banana leaves, briefly heat them over a flame or in hot water to make them more pliable.

 - Place a square of banana leaf on a flat surface. Spread a portion of masa dough in the center of the leaf, leaving space around the edges.

 - Spoon some of the pork and vegetable filling on top of the masa.

 - Fold the banana leaf over the masa and filling to create a neat packet. Secure with kitchen twine or additional strips of banana leaf.

Cook the Nacatamales:

 - Place the wrapped tamales upright in a large pot or steamer. Add enough water to the pot to steam the tamales.

 - Cover the pot and steam the nacatamales for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the masa is cooked through and the flavors have melded.

Serve and Enjoy:

 - Let the nacatamales cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Nicaraguan dish.

Nutritional Values

Masa Harina (Corn Dough Flour)

   - Calories: 240 kcal

   - Protein: 4g

   - Fat: 1.5g

   - Carbohydrates: 50g

   - Fiber: 5g

Benefits:

   - Carbohydrates: Provides energy and supports metabolic functions.

   - Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth

   - Calories: 15 kcal

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Sodium: 800-900 mg

Benefits:

   - Adds Flavor: Enhances the taste of the masa.

   - Provides Some Protein: Contributes to the overall protein content.

Lard or Vegetable Oil

   - Calories: 115 kcal

   - Fat: 12g

   - Saturated Fat: 5g

Nutritional Values (per 1 tablespoon or 14g, vegetable oil):

   - Calories: 120 kcal

   - Fat: 14g

   - Saturated Fat: 1g

Benefits:

   - Adds Moisture: Helps achieve a tender texture.

   - Lard: Rich flavor and high fat content.

   - Vegetable Oil: Contains unsaturated fats that are better for heart health.

Baking Powder

   - Calories: 2 kcal

   - Sodium: 500 mg

Benefits:

   - Leavening Agent: Helps the masa become light and fluffy.

Salt

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Sodium: 2,300 mg (100% DV)

Benefits:

   - Enhances Flavor: Improves the taste of the masa.

   - Electrolyte Balance: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function.

Pork Shoulder

   - Calories: 220 kcal

   - Protein: 20g

   - Fat: 16g

   - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

   - Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

   - Provides Rich Flavor: Adds depth to the filling.

Vegetable Oil

   - Calories: 120 kcal

   - Fat: 14g

   - Saturated Fat: 1g

Benefits:

   - Adds Moisture: Helps in cooking the filling and adds richness.

Onion

   - Calories: 44 kcal

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 10g

   - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

   - Antioxidants: Contains compounds that may reduce inflammation.

   - Flavor Enhancer: Adds depth and sweetness to dishes.

Garlic

   - Calories: 4 kcal

   - Protein: 0.2g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Antimicrobial Properties: May help fight infections.

   - Flavor Enhancer: Adds a strong, savory taste.

Bell Pepper

   - Calories: 15 kcal

   - Protein: 0.5g

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 4g

   - Vitamin C: 30 mg (50% DV)

Benefits:

   - Vitamin C: Boosts immune health and aids in collagen production.

   - Antioxidants: Provides protection against cell damage.

Tomatoes

   - Calories: 22 kcal

   - Protein: 1g

   - Fat: 0.2g

   - Carbohydrates: 5g

   - Vitamin C: 15 mg (25% DV)

Benefits:

   - Vitamin C: Supports the immune system.

   - Lycopene: An antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Carrots

   - Calories: 25 kcal

   - Protein: 0.6g

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 6g

   - Fiber: 1.5g

   - Vitamin A: 509 mcg (57% DV)

Benefits:

   - Vitamin A: Supports vision and skin health.

   - Fiber: Aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Potatoes

   - Calories: 130 kcal

   - Protein: 3g

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 30g

   - Fiber: 2g

Benefits:

   - Carbohydrates: Provides energy.

   - Fiber: Supports digestive health.

Ground Cumin

   - Calories: 8 kcal

   - Protein: 0.4g

   - Fat: 0.4g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Aids Digestion: May help with digestion and improve gut health.

   - Adds Flavor: Enhances the taste of the filling.

Paprika

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Protein: 0.3g

   - Fat: 0.3g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

   - Contains Antioxidants: Supports overall health and reduces inflammation.

   - Adds Flavor: Provides a smoky, sweet taste.

Oregano

   - Calories: 3 kcal

   - Protein: 0.1g

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 0.7g

Benefits:

   - Antioxidants: Contains compounds that may support immune function.

   - Adds Flavor: Enhances the taste of the filling.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Sodium: 2,300 mg (100% DV)

Black Pepper Nutritional Values (per 1 teaspoon or 2g):

   - Calories: 6 kcal

   - Protein: 0.2g

   - Fat: 0.1g

   - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

Benefits:

   - Salt: Enhances flavor and supports electrolyte balance.

   - Black Pepper: Contains piperine, which may aid in nutrient absorption and provide antioxidant benefits.

Banana Leaves

   - Banana leaves are not typically consumed, so nutritional values are not commonly available.

Benefits:

   - Natural Wrapper: Helps steam and flavor the masa and filling.

   - Adds Aroma: Imparts a unique taste to the dish.

These ingredients together make a rich, flavorful masa dish with a well-seasoned pork filling, complemented by the aroma of banana leaves or parchment paper.