Best Easy Nacatamales Recipe

Large, elaborate tamales stuffed with pork, rice, potatoes, and olives, a Central American-Mexican crossover. These protein-packed family feast tamales are a complete meal wrapped in banana leaves.

Cook 240 min Difficulty HARD 570 kcal
#protein-packed #complete meal #mexican cuisine #family feast
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • masa harina 2.5 cups
  • lard 1 cup
  • chicken broth 2 cups
  • boneless pork shoulder 1.5 lbs
  • uncooked white rice 0.5 cup
  • russet potato 1 large
  • banana leaves 6 large
  • green olives 12 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • onion 1 medium
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • diced tomato 0.5 cup
  • sweet red pepper 0.5 cup
  • ground cumin 2 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • salt 2 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 55 g 39%
Protein 24 g 17%
Fat 28 g 44%
Serving size 330g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Prepare the pork filling: Cut pork into 1-inch cubes and season with salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pork for 4–5 minutes, then remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same pan, add diced onion, garlic, sweet red pepper, and sauté over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in diced tomato, let simmer for 2 minutes, then return pork to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

  3. 3

    Make the masa: In a large bowl, mix masa harina and lard together, then slowly incorporate warm chicken broth, working until soft and spreadable. Season masa with 1 tsp salt. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Assemble the nacatamales: Rinse banana leaves in hot water until pliable. Lay one leaf flat, spread about 2/3 cup masa in the center. Add a spoonful of prepared pork, some raw rice, 2 slices potato, and 2 green olives. Fold up the sides of the leaf to enclose the filling and tie securely with kitchen twine.

  5. 5

    Steam the nacatamales: Place a rack or steamer basket in a large pot with water. Arrange wrapped tamales, cover with extra leaves or foil, and steam over low to medium heat for 3–4 hours, making sure the water does not evaporate. Check for doneness: masa should feel firm and cooked through. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient in nacatamales is masa harina, which forms the soft, flavorful dough that wraps the rich pork filling. The combination of pork shoulder and masa gives nacatamales their classic texture and hearty taste.
Q. Why is heat and steam control important for nacatamales?
Proper steam and heat control during the 3–4 hour cooking time is vital to ensure the masa cooks through without becoming soggy. Maintaining a steady low to medium simmer, with enough water to keep steam going, guarantees each nacatamal is thoroughly cooked but not dry.
Q. How do I prevent the masa from drying out or becoming undercooked?
To avoid dry or undercooked masa, make sure the dough is moist and spreadable before wrapping. Steam the nacatamales with plenty of banana leaves and do not allow the pot to run dry; periodically check the water level. Rest nacatamales 15 minutes after cooking so the fillings can set.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving of nacatamales is approximately 570 kcal, with 24g of protein, 55g of carbohydrates, and 28g of fat. Protein contributes 17% of total calories, making this recipe a hearty, balanced meal.
Q. Which ingredient adds the most flavor complexity?
The aromatic blend of garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and sweet red pepper—combined with green olives—creates a savory depth and signature flavor in the pork filling. These seasonings, though subtle, are crucial for authentic nacatamales.
AI 채팅 아이콘