Peruvian tamales are a staple dish in Peruvian cuisine, often served during special occasions and celebrations. These delicious bundles of corn dough filled with savory meats and spices are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Peru. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Peruvian tamale recipe and learn how to make it at home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this authentic and flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Yellow Onions, Green Bell Peppers, Serrano
Tamale Pie is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of a traditional tamale with the convenience of a casserole. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or for a potluck with friends. The layers of tender chicken, hearty cornbread, and tangy salsa make for a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Peruvian Roast Chicken, also known as Pollo a la Brasa, is a popular dish in Peru and has gained popularity around the world. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs before being slow-roasted to perfection. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
3of 20
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Mayonnaise, White Vinegar
No Peruvian meal is complete without a side of Aji Verde, a vibrant green sauce made with jalapenos, cilantro, and other tasty ingredients. This sauce adds a perfect kick of heat and flavor to any dish, especially when served with Peruvian-style roast chicken or grilled meats. It's also a great condiment for sandwiches or as a dip for chips.
4of 20
Peruvian Pickled Onion
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, White Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil, Lime, Salt
Pickled onions are a staple in Peruvian cuisine and are often served with grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches and salads. They add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to any dish and are easy to make at home. Simply combine sliced red onions with a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, and let them marinate for a few hours before serving.
5of 20
Peruvian Fried Rice (Arroz Chaufa)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breast, Eggs, Cooked
Arroz Chaufa, also known as Peruvian Fried Rice, is a popular Peruvian-Chinese fusion dish. It combines the flavors of Chinese fried rice with Peruvian ingredients such as aji amarillo paste and soy sauce. This dish is a great way to use up leftover rice and can be customized with your choice of protein and vegetables.
6of 20
Easy Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Medium Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This Easy Tamale Pie recipe is perfect for those nights when you're craving tamales but don't have the time to make them from scratch. It's a quick and easy casserole that layers ground beef, cornbread, and cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines tender strips of beef with onions, tomatoes, and french fries. Yes, you read that right – french fries! This dish is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian flavors and is often served with rice. It's a hearty and comforting meal that is sure to please the whole family.
Peruvian chicken, also known as Pollo a la Brasa, is a staple in Peruvian cuisine. It's a simple and flavorful dish that is often served with a side of Aji Verde and french fries. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs and then roasted until tender and juicy. It's a must-try for any fan of Peruvian food.
This Peruvian Chicken & Green Sauce recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Peru at home. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs and then grilled to perfection. The sauce, made with jalapenos and cilantro, adds a perfect kick of heat and freshness to the dish. Serve with Peruvian-style rice and beans for a complete meal.
10of 20
Corn Bread Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Chili, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Taco
Corn Bread Tamale Pie is a twist on traditional tamale pie that uses a cornbread topping instead of a cornmeal crust. The result is a delicious and hearty casserole that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. You can customize this recipe with your choice of ground meat and beans for a vegetarian option.
11of 20
Peruvian Causa
Main Ingredients: Yellow Potatoes, Aji Amarillo, Canola Oil, Lime Juice
Causa is a traditional Peruvian dish made with layers of mashed potatoes, avocado, and a filling of your choice. It's often served as an appetizer or side dish and can be customized with different fillings such as shredded chicken, tuna, or seafood. This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its colorful layers.
12of 20
Peruvian-Style Roast Chicken with Green Sauce
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Large Garlic
This Peruvian-Style Roast Chicken with Green Sauce recipe is a great way to elevate a simple roast chicken. The chicken is rubbed with a flavorful blend of spices and herbs and then slow-roasted to perfection. The Green Sauce, made with jalapenos and cilantro, adds a delicious and zesty kick to the dish.
13of 20
Beef Tamale Casserole
Main Ingredients: Cornmeal, Sugar, Salt, Baking Powder, Egg, Unsalted
This Beef Tamale Casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of tamales without the hassle of making them from scratch. The layers of flavorful ground beef, cornbread, and cheese make for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream and salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
14of 20
Tamale Masa
Main Ingredients: Lard, Chicken Broth, Fresh Masa, Kosher Salt
Masa, the dough used to make tamales, is a staple in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It's made with corn flour and can be used in a variety of dishes, including tamales, empanadas, and pupusas. Making your own masa can be a bit time-consuming, but the result is well worth the effort.
15of 20
Keyword Peruvian Beans
Main Ingredients: Beans, Water, Oil, Salt
Beans are a staple in Peruvian cuisine and are often served as a side dish or used in stews and soups. Peruvian beans, also known as canary beans, are a type of white bean that is commonly used in Peruvian cooking. They have a creamy texture and a mild flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
Peruvian Green Sauce, also known as Aji Verde, is a popular condiment in Peruvian cuisine. It's made with jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, and other tasty ingredients and adds a perfect kick of heat and flavor to any dish. This sauce is not only delicious with meats, but it also makes a great dip for chips or a dressing for salads.
17of 20
Aguadito De Pollo (Peruvian Chicken Soup)
Main Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Poblano Pepper, White Onion, Amarillo
Aguadito De Pollo, also known as Peruvian Chicken Soup, is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. It's made with chicken, rice, potatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices, making for a hearty and nourishing soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
Cornbread Tamale Pie is a hearty and satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of tamales with a cornbread topping. The result is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck with friends. You can customize this recipe with your choice of protein and vegetables for a delicious and easy meal.
19of 20
Sautéed Peruvian Corvina
Main Ingredients: Corvina, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Ponzu Sauce, Lime
Sautéed Peruvian Corvina is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular fish in Peruvian cuisine. The corvina, also known as sea bass, is lightly seasoned and sautéed until flaky and tender. It's often served with a side of rice and beans and a side of Aji Verde for a burst of flavor.
20of 20
Peruvian Chicken (Pollo A La Brasa)
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Lime Juice, Paprika
Peruvian Chicken, also known as Pollo a la Brasa, is a popular dish in Peru and has gained popularity around the world. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs before being slow-roasted to perfection. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
The Ingredients
Corn Dough
The base of the Peruvian tamale is the corn dough, also known as masa. This can be made by grinding dried corn kernels or by using masa harina, a corn flour commonly found in Latin American markets. The dough is then mixed with broth, oil, and spices to create a smooth and pliable mixture.
Filling
The filling of a Peruvian tamale is what sets it apart from other types of tamales. Traditional fillings include chicken, pork, or beef, but there are also vegetarian options available. The meat is typically cooked with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices such as cumin, paprika, and oregano. Other ingredients such as olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs can also be added for extra flavor and texture.
The Preparation Process
To make Peruvian tamales, first, the corn dough is spread onto a corn husk or banana leaf. The filling is then placed in the center and the dough is folded and wrapped tightly around it. The tamales are then steamed until the dough is cooked and the filling is heated through. This process ensures that the flavors of the filling are infused into the dough, creating a delicious and cohesive dish.
Serving and Enjoying
Peruvian tamales are typically served with a side of salsa criolla, a simple Peruvian salad made with red onions, lime juice, and cilantro. This adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish, balancing out the richness of the tamale. These tamales are also often accompanied by aji, a spicy Peruvian sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and herbs. The combination of these flavors creates a mouth-watering and satisfying meal.
Peruvian tamales are a labor of love, often prepared with family and friends coming together to help with the assembly and cooking process. They are a true representation of Peruvian culture and cuisine, and now with this recipe, you can bring a taste of Peru into your own home. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the authentic flavors of Peru with this delicious Peruvian tamale recipe.
