Tamales Tolimenses: Tolima-style Colombian Tamales

Tamales Tolimenses, or Tolima-style Colombian tamales, are a traditional dish from the Tolima region of Colombia. These tamales are made with a corn-based dough, filled with a savory mixture of meat, vegetables, and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Colombian Colombian Cuisine Tamales Traditional
Tamales Tolimenses: Tolima-style Colombian Tamales

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 lb pork shoulder, cooked and shredded
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup capers
  • 1/2 cup hogao (Colombian creole sauce)
  • 10 banana leaves, cut into 12x12 inch squares
  • 10 pieces of kitchen twine
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the pre-cooked cornmeal with the chicken broth to form a smooth dough. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the filling by combining the shredded pork, carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, peas, raisins, capers, and hogao in a separate bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Place a banana leaf square on a flat surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the cornmeal dough onto the center of the leaf and spread it out into a rectangle.
  4. Add a generous spoonful of the filling on top of the dough.
  5. Wrap the banana leaf around the filling and dough to form a rectangular package. Tie with kitchen twine to secure.
  6. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make 10 tamales.
  7. Place the tamales in a large steamer pot and steam over medium heat for 3 hours, adding more water to the pot as needed.
  8. Once cooked, remove the tamales from the steamer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

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

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

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

Supplies

Large steamer pot Kitchen twine

Tools

Knife Cutting board Mixing bowls

Serving suggestions

Serve the tamales tolimeses with aji picante (spicy Colombian sauce) and a side of avocado salad.

Tips & tricks

Make sure to soak the banana leaves in warm water before using to make them pliable for wrapping the tamales.

Cost

$20