Discover the Flavors of Colombia

Tamales: Colombian Food

Tamales tolimenses are a traditional Colombian dish known for their rich flavor and hearty ingredients. They are made with corn dough filled with pork, chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slowly cooked until tender.

Recipe Ingredients

• Corn flour – 1 kg
• Pork ribs – 300 g
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Chicken or meat broth – 2 cups
• Onion – 1, chopped
• Garlic cloves – 2, chopped
• Red pepper – 1, chopped
• Tomatoes – 2, chopped

Preparation:

1. Prepare leaves: Soften plantain leaves over heat or hot water.
2. Make dough: Mix corn flour, lard, salt, and broth until smooth.
3. Cook filling: Sauté meat with onion, garlic, pepper, tomatoes, and spices.
4. Assemble: Spread dough on leaf, add filling, fold, and tie with string.
5. Cook: Steam tamales for 2–3 hours until fully cooked.

Cooking Tips:

• Keep them moist: Add a little extra broth to the dough so tamales don’t dry out.
• Steam evenly: Don’t overcrowd the pot; leave space for steam to circulate.

links of back to taste of travel