Name: Belizean tamales
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 2 cups masa harina ((corn flour)); 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup lard (or vegetable shortening); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or pork); 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 1/4 cup olives (sliced); 1/4 cup raisins; 4 banana leaves (cut into 8-inch squares and softened in hot water); Kitchen twine

Belizean tamales

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Belizean tamales is a traditional dish made in Belize. They are typically made with seasoned corn dough, filled with a mixture of meats (such as chicken or pork), vegetables, and sometimes raisins or olives. The mixture is wrapped in a banana leaf and then steamed until cooked.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Servings: 4

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Belize

Calories: 316

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked chicken shredded or pork
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup olives sliced
1/4 cup raisins
4 banana leaves cut into 8-inch squares and softened in hot water
Kitchen twine

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Method

In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, chicken broth, lard or vegetable shortening, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth dough.
In a separate bowl, mix the cooked and shredded chicken or pork with the bell peppers, olives, and raisins to create the filling.
To assemble the tamales, place a softened banana leaf square on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the masa dough onto the center of the banana leaf and spread it out into a rectangle.
Spoon a few tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the center of the masa dough.
Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the filling and then fold up the bottom and tie with kitchen twine to secure.
Repeat the process with the remaining banana leaves, masa dough, and filling.
Place the tamales upright in a steamer pot with a few inches of water in the bottom. Steam the tamales for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa is cooked through.
Allow the tamales to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 15gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 1070mgPotassium: 368mgFiber: 5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 980IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 162mgIron: 5mg

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Belizean tamales