Dive into the rich culinary heritage of El Salvador with our tantalizing Tamales Pisques. These iconic Salvadoran delights feature a harmonious blend of tender masa infused with savory fillings like seasoned pork, vegetables, and the quintessential ingredient—pisque, or pigeon peas. Wrapped in fragrant banana leaves and steamed to perfection, each bite is a journey through the vibrant flavors of Central America. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner, our Tamales Pisques promise an unforgettable taste of tradition. Experience the warmth and authenticity of El Salvador's culinary culture with every delicious bite.

Ingredients:

For the masa (dough):

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

For the filling:

• 2 cups cooked and drained pigeon peas (pisques)
• 1 cup cooked and shredded pork (or chicken)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling:

• Banana leaves, cleaned and cut into squares (or substitute with parchment paper)
• Butcher's twine or kitchen string

Instructions:

1- Prepare the masa: In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water or broth, lard or shortening, and salt. Mix until you have a smooth, pliable dough. Set aside.

2- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened. Add the diced tomato and cook until it breaks down and forms a sauce. Stir in the cooked pigeon peas, shredded pork (or chicken), cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3- Assemble the tamales: Lay out a piece of banana leaf on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of masa in the center and spread it out into a rectangle, leaving space around the edges. Spoon some of the filling mixture down the center of the masa.

4- Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the filling, then fold up the bottom and secure the tamale with butcher's twine. Repeat with the remaining masa and filling.

5- Steam the tamales: Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer pot. Add water to the bottom of the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the tamales. Cover the pot and steam the tamales over medium heat for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the masa is cooked through and firm.

6- Serve: Let the tamales cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving. Enjoy these delicious El Salvador Tamales Pisques with salsa or hot sauce on the side for an authentic taste of Central America!

Nutritional Values:

Masa Harina (Corn Flour for Tamales) - 1 cup (approximately 114g):

• Calories: 416 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 91g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 9g

benefits

• Provides energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Contains dietary fiber which promotes digestive health.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as iron and niacin.

Pigeon Peas (Pisques) - 1 cup cooked (approximately 168g):

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 11g

benefits

• Excellent source of plant-based protein.
• High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium, and magnesium.

Pork (Cooked and Shredded) - 1 cup (approximately 140g):

• Calories: 295 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins (niacin, B6, B12), zinc, and selenium.
• Provides heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron from plant sources.

Onion (1 medium onion, approximately 110g):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits

Onions and garlic contain sulfur compounds with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Garlic (2 cloves, approximately 6g):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

Low in calories but rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Bell Pepper (1 medium pepper, approximately 119g):

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.

Tomato (1 medium tomato, approximately 123g):

• Calories: 22 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g
• benefits: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant associated with heart health and cancer prevention.

Cumin and Oregano (used in small quantities, negligible caloric contribution)

benefits

• Cumin contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Oregano is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and manganese, and is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods and specific product brands. Additionally, the nutritional values provided are based on standard USDA data and may vary slightly depending on regional variations or specific cultivars of the ingredients.