Tamales Santandereanos: Santander-style Colombian Tamales

Tamales Santandereanos are a traditional dish from the Santander region of Colombia. These tamales are made with a corn-based dough, filled with a flavorful mixture of pork, chicken, vegetables, and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.

Gluten Free Main Course Colombian Colombian Cuisine Tamales Santander
Tamales Santandereanos: Santander-style Colombian Tamales

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 pound pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup sliced green olives
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground achiote (annatto)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 pieces banana leaves, cut into 12x12 inch squares

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the pre-cooked cornmeal with the chicken broth and vegetable oil to form a smooth dough.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded pork, shredded chicken, carrots, bell pepper, peas, cilantro, raisins, olives, cumin, achiote, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place a banana leaf square on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of the cornmeal dough on the center of the leaf.
  4. Add a generous spoonful of the meat and vegetable mixture on top of the dough.
  5. Wrap the banana leaf around the filling to form a rectangular package, then tie with kitchen twine to secure.
  6. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make 12 tamales.
  7. Place the tamales in a large steamer pot and steam over medium heat for 2 hours, adding more water as needed.
  8. Remove the tamales from the steamer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
2 hours
Total time:
2 hours
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Carbohydrates
45g
Protein
15g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large mixing bowl Steamer pot Kitchen twine

Tools

Knife Cutting board

Serving suggestions

Serve the Tamales Santandereanos with aji sauce and a side of fresh avocado slices.

Tips & tricks

Soak the banana leaves in warm water for 30 minutes before using to make them more pliable for wrapping the tamales.

Cost

$20