Peruvian Tamales Recipe
Vegetarian Peruvian tamales with choclo corn, cilantro or culantro, ají amarillo paste, and queso fresco... a traditional Peruvian street food!
Click to rate!
Equipment
Ingredients
- banana leaves or corn husks - softened
- 16 ounces choclo (giant) corn kernels
- .5 ounce culantro - or 1 ounce cilantro leaves
- 1-2 tablespoon ají amarillo paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon red onion condiment +/- - about half of an onion cut in chunks*
- ½ teaspoon sea salt and fresh ground pepper
- 4 ounces queso fresco or similar - you may need more or less
Instructions
- Prepare corn husks or banana leaves. (See post for more information).
- Process half of a red onion cut in chunks with ½ cup of water until completely puréed. Add to a fine mesh sieve. Press with a flexible spatula to remove as much liquid as possible. This is the "onion condiment." You'll want 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add the corn kernels to the bowl of the food processor with either the cilantro or culantro. Pulse until homogenous.
- To a heavy skillet over medium heat, add the oil, onion condiment, ground cumin, salt, and ají amarillo paste. Sauté until aromatic (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the corn/herb mixture, and stir to combine. Cook 5-10 minutes until thickened slightly. Cool to where it can be handled.
- Place a serving of the mixture in the center of corn husks or banana leaves. Place a slice of cheese on top. Carefully fold up the edges to wrap up the filling snugly and tie with string to secure. Repeat the process with the remaining corn mixture.
- Prepare steamer. Arrange tamales (they should not contact the water). Simmer 30-45 minutes. Time depends on size.
Notes
* Red onion condiment is just onion puréed with water with the moisture removed. Exact quantity is not important. One or two tablespoons is fine!
Amount of queso fresco will be determined by how you slice it. Macros are really impossible to calculate because of actual amounts.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 13g
NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or star rating! Email us with any questions: tamara@beyondmeresustenance.com