Indulge in the culinary delight of Guatemala with our tantalizing Tamales, a cherished staple of Guatemalan cuisine. Wrapped in aromatic banana leaves, each tamale is a flavorful masterpiece, filled with a harmonious blend of seasoned masa, succulent meats such as chicken or pork, and vibrant vegetables.

Slow-cooked to perfection, our tamales capture the essence of Guatemala's diverse cultural heritage and culinary prowess. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a festive meal during special occasions, our Guatemalan Tamales promise an unforgettable gastronomic experience that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Guatemala.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken, pork, or beef
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup green olives, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)
• 1 cup cooked green peas (optional)

For assembling:

• Banana leaves, cut into 10-12 inch squares and softened by briefly passing over an open flame or soaking in warm water
• Kitchen twine or strips of banana leaves for tying

Instructions:

1- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, bell pepper, and tomato. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add diced potatoes and cook until slightly tender, about 8 minutes. Add shredded meat, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Mix in olives, raisins, and cooked green peas if using.

2- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add chicken or vegetable broth, mixing until a soft dough forms. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until fluffy. Gradually add the lard to the masa mixture, beating until well combined and fluffy.

3- Assemble the tamales: Lay out a softened banana leaf square on a flat surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center of the leaf. Flatten the dough into a rectangle, leaving space around the edges. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the filling down the center of the dough.

4- Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the filling, then fold up the bottom of the leaf to enclose the tamale. Tie the tamale securely with kitchen twine or strips of banana leaves.

5- Steam the tamales: Arrange the tamales upright in a large steamer pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the tamales. Cover the pot with a lid and steam over medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the dough is cooked through and firm.

6- Serve warm and enjoy your authentic Guatemalan Tamales!

Nutritional Values :

Masa harina (1 cup):

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 88g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 8g

benefits : Provides a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, which can help provide sustained energy and support digestive health.

Chicken broth (2 cups):

• Calories: 10
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g

benefits : Contains essential nutrients like protein and vitamins, supports hydration, and can help boost immunity.

Lard (1 cup):

• Calories: 2050
• Total Fat: 230g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits : Provides a source of fat, which is essential for energy, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and flavor in cooking

Baking powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits : Helps the dough rise and become light and fluffy, resulting in a softer texture for the tamales.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 2300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits : Enhances flavor, regulates fluid balance, and is essential for nerve and muscle function.

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups):

• Calories: 440
• Total Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 84g

benefits : Excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.

Potato (2 medium):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g

benefits : Good source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins.

Onion (1 medium):

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits : Contains antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support immune function.

Garlic (2 cloves):

• Calories: 10
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits : Known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.

Bell pepper (1 medium):

• Calories: 25
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g

benefits : Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which can help support immune function, eye health, and digestion.

These values are approximate and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.