Dive into the heart of Guatemalan culinary heritage with Tamalitos de Chipilín, a beloved traditional dish that encapsulates the rich flavors and cultural essence of the region.

These tender corn husks are filled with a savory mixture of chipilín leaves, a native Central American herb, combined with masa and other flavorful ingredients. Discover the art of crafting these delightful bundles of goodness, passed down through generations, and experience the warmth and richness of Guatemala's culinary tapestry. Whether enjoyed as a comforting snack or part of a festive feast, Tamalitos de Chipilín invite you to savor the vibrant flavors and timeless traditions of Guatemala.

Ingredients:

For the masa:

• 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt to taste

For the filling:

• 2 cups chipilín leaves, washed and finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For assembly:

• Corn husks, soaked in warm water until pliable

Instructions:

1- Prepare the masa: In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the chicken broth or water while mixing until a soft dough forms. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until fluffy, then gradually incorporate it into the masa mixture. Mix until well combined and the masa has a light, airy texture. Set aside.

2- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chopped chipilín leaves and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

3- Assemble the tamales: Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa onto the center, leaving a border around the edges. Spoon some of the chipilín filling onto the masa.

4- Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up and secure it with kitchen twine or a strip of corn husk.

5- Steam the tamales: Arrange the assembled tamales in a steamer basket, standing them upright with the folded edge at the bottom. Cover the steamer with a lid 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 the tamales hot, either on their own or accompanied by salsa or other toppings of your choice.

Enjoy your delicious Guatemala Tamalitos de Chipilín!

Nutritional Values :

Masa (per 1 cup, about 140g):

• Calories: 473
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 77g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits

• Provides energy due to its carbohydrates content.
• Contains fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
• Contains small amounts of protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, folate, and iron.

Chipilín Leaves (per 1 cup, about 40g):

• Calories: 28
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits

• High in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
• Rich source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Provides vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Onion (per 1 medium onion, about 110g):

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

benefits

• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
• Rich in fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
• Contains vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Contains sulfur compounds that may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Garlic (per 1 clove, about 3g):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosting the immune system and fighting infections.
• Contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.
• May improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Bell Pepper (per 1 medium pepper, about 120g):

• Calories: 25
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts immunity and promotes collagen production for healthy skin.
• Contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Rich in vitamin A, promoting vision health and immune function.
• Provides fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting satiety.

Vegetable Oil (per 1 tablespoon, about 14g):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

 benefits 

• Provides healthy fats, essential for brain function and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and promotes skin health.
• May help reduce inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
• Supports heart health by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Corn Husks (per 1 husk, about 6g):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Contains insoluble fiber, aiding in digestion and preventing constipation.
• Provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and manganese.
• Adds bulk to the diet without adding many calories, promoting feelings of fullness and aiding in weight management.
• Can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap or foil for food preparation.

Please note t hat these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands and preparation methods. Additionally, the nutritional values for the masa may vary depending on the type of corn flour used.