18 Peruvian Tamales Criollos Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Peruvian tamales criollos are a traditional and beloved dish in Peruvian cuisine. These savory steamed bundles of corn dough are filled with a delicious combination of meat, spices, and vegetables. They are a staple in many Peruvian households, especially during special occasions and holidays. In this article, we will share with you a professional and well-organized recipe for making authentic Peruvian tamales criollos. So put on your apron and get ready to taste the flavors of Peru!
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Achiote Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground
Chicken rice, also known as arroz con pollo, is a popular Latin American dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a variety of spices and vegetables. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a large gathering. To make it, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and cumin. Then, sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and set aside. Next, cook the rice in the same pan with chicken broth, tomatoes, and peas. Finally, add the chicken back to the pan and let it all simmer together to create a delicious and comforting meal.
2of 20
Ecuadorian Hornado Or Slow Roasted Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Limes, Garlic Cloves, Ground Cumin
Hornado, or slow roasted pork, is a traditional Ecuadorian dish that is typically served during special occasions or holidays. The pork is marinated in a mixture of beer, garlic, and spices for several hours before being slow roasted in the oven until it is tender and juicy. This dish is often served with potatoes, corn, and a spicy sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
3of 20
Carne Colorada {achiote Marinated Meat}
Main Ingredients: Beef, Garlic Cloves, Red Onion, Achiote, Ground Cumin
Carne colorada, which translates to "colored meat," is a flavorful Ecuadorian dish that features marinated meat that is cooked in a sauce made from achiote, tomatoes, and spices. The meat is typically simmered until it is tender and served with rice, beans, and plantains. The result is a colorful and tasty dish that is sure to please any meat lover.
4of 20
Stelline with Chicken (Stelline de Pollo)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Sugar, Water, Criollo, Peppers, Medium
Stelline with chicken, also known as stelline de pollo, is a popular dish in many Latin American countries. This hearty and comforting soup features small star-shaped pasta, chicken, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. It is a perfect meal for a cold day or when you are feeling under the weather.
5of 20
Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas
Main Ingredients: Lard, Boneless Pork Shoulder, Yellow Onion, Garlic
Carnitas, which literally translates to "little meats," is a popular Mexican dish made with pork that is slow-cooked until it is tender and then fried to create crispy and flavorful bites. Using an Instant Pot can cut down on the cooking time, making this dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve the crispy carnitas in tacos, burritos, or on top of a salad for a delicious and versatile meal.
6of 20
{Fritada de gallina} Ecuadorian chicha braised chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken, White Wine, Orange Juice, Ground Cinnamon
Fritada de gallina, or braised chicken in chicha, is a traditional Ecuadorian dish that is often served at celebrations or special occasions. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of chicha (a fermented corn drink), spices, and herbs before being braised until it is tender and falling off the bone. This dish is typically served with potatoes, corn, and a spicy sauce, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.
7of 20
Sheet Pan Mojo Chicken and Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Criollo, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Chicken
This easy and flavorful sheet pan dish features chicken, potatoes, and a tangy mojo marinade. The chicken and potatoes are roasted together on a sheet pan until they are crispy and golden brown. The result is a delicious and fuss-free meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
8of 20
Llapingachos or Ecuadorian Stuffed Potato Patties
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Avocado Oil, White Onion, Achiote
Llapingachos are a popular dish in Ecuador that features potato patties stuffed with cheese and served with a peanut sauce. The potatoes are mashed with milk and cheese, formed into patties, and then fried until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve them with a spicy peanut sauce for a unique and flavorful meal.
9of 20
Patacones Or Tostones
Main Ingredients: Green Plantains, Oil, Salt, Crushed Garlic, Hot Pepper
Patacones, also known as tostones, are a popular side dish in many Latin American countries. They are made by frying green plantains and then smashing them flat before frying them again until they are crispy and golden brown. These crispy and savory plantains are perfect for dipping in sauces or as a side to any Latin American meal.
10of 20
Frijoles Negros Dormidos (Sleepy Black Beans)
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Beans, Bell Peppers, Vinegar, Garlic
Frijoles negros dormidos, or sleepy black beans, are a traditional Cuban dish that features black beans that are cooked low and slow with garlic, onion, and spices. The beans are simmered until they are creamy and flavorful, earning their name as "sleepy" beans. They are typically served with white rice and a side of plantains for a delicious and comforting meal.
11of 20
Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
These authentic beef tamales are a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. The filling is made with shredded beef, spices, and a homemade sauce, and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until they are tender and flavorful. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete and delicious meal.
12of 20
Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Water, Chilies
If you prefer pork over beef, these pork tamales are a great alternative. The filling is made with shredded pork, spices, and a homemade sauce, and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until they are tender and flavorful. These tamales are perfect for a special occasion or for a delicious and comforting dinner.
13of 20
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Mayonnaise, White Vinegar
Aji verde, or Peruvian green sauce, is a popular condiment in Peru that is often served with grilled meats, seafood, and potatoes. It is made with spicy peppers, cilantro, garlic, and mayonnaise, giving it a creamy and tangy flavor. Use it as a dip or sauce to add a kick of flavor to any dish.
14of 20
Delicious Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
These delicious Mexican tamales are packed with flavor and are a great addition to any Mexican-inspired meal. The filling is made with shredded chicken, spices, and a homemade sauce, and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed until they are tender and flavorful. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a tasty and satisfying meal.
15of 20
Peruvian Pickled Onion
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, White Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil, Lime, Salt
Pickled onions are a popular condiment in Peru and are often served with grilled meats, sandwiches, and rice dishes. They are made by slicing red onions and soaking them in a mixture of lime juice, vinegar, and spices until they are tangy and flavorful. These pickled onions add a bright and zesty flavor to any dish.
16of 20
Peruvian Fried Rice (Arroz Chaufa)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breast, Eggs, Cooked
Arroz chaufa, or Peruvian fried rice, is a delicious and easy dish that combines rice, vegetables, and protein (typically chicken or shrimp) in a flavorful stir-fry. It is often served with soy sauce and a side of aji verde for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Lomo saltado is a popular Peruvian dish that combines beef, onions, tomatoes, and french fries in a stir-fry. The dish is typically served over rice and is often topped with a fried egg for added richness. The result is a flavorful and hearty meal that is sure to please.
This Peruvian chicken dish is marinated in a mixture of beer, spices, and aji panca (a Peruvian chili paste) before being roasted in the oven until it is tender and juicy. The result is a flavorful and succulent chicken that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
19of 20
Carne Asada Tacos
Main Ingredients: Skirt Steak, Criollo, White Onion, Chopped Fresh
Carne asada, or grilled beef, is a popular dish in many Latin American countries and is often served as a filling for tacos. The beef is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, and herbs before being grilled to perfection. Serve it in warm tortillas with salsa, guacamole, and cilantro for a delicious and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Tropical Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Criollo, Goya
These tropical chicken skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue or a fun and flavorful weeknight meal. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger before being grilled and served with fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. The result is a delicious and colorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Making the Corn Dough
To make the perfect corn dough for your tamales, you will need masa harina, chicken broth, and lard. Start by mixing the masa harina with the chicken broth until you get a smooth and pliable dough. Then, incorporate the lard into the dough until it is well combined. This will give your tamales a rich and flavorful taste.
Tips for the Perfect Corn Dough
Make sure to use masa harina, which is a special type of corn flour used for making tamales. Regular corn flour will not give you the same results.
For a more traditional taste, you can substitute the chicken broth with chicha de jora, a fermented corn drink commonly used in Peruvian cuisine.
Adding a pinch of ground annatto seeds to the dough will give your tamales a beautiful orange color.
Making the Filling
The filling is what makes tamales criollos so delicious. Pork, chicken, and beef are the most common meats used in the filling, but you can also use a combination of them. The meat is cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of Peruvian spices until it is tender and flavorful.
Tips for the Perfect Filling
For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for the filling.
Adding raisins and olives to the filling will give your tamales a sweet and salty balance of flavors.
For a spicier kick, you can add aji amarillo paste to the filling.
Assembling and Cooking the Tamales
Once you have the corn dough and filling ready, it's time to assemble your tamales. Spread a thin layer of the corn dough on a corn husk and add a spoonful of the filling in the center. Roll the corn husk and fold the ends to seal the tamale. Steam the tamales for about an hour until they are fully cooked.
Tips for Assembling and Cooking
Make sure to soak the corn husks in water for at least an hour before assembling the tamales. This will make them pliable and easier to work with.
For a vegetarian option, you can use a filling of beans, corn, and cheese instead of meat.
To add a smoky flavor, you can wrap the tamales in banana leaves before steaming them.
Enjoying Your Peruvian Tamales Criollos
Once your tamales are cooked, let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping and serving them. Traditionally, they are served with a side of salsa criolla, a fresh and zesty onion and tomato salsa. These tamales are perfect for any occasion and will surely be a hit with your family and friends.
Conclusion
Making Peruvian tamales criollos may seem like a daunting task, but with this well-organized recipe and some tips and tricks, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. So why not add some Peruvian flair to your next dinner party with these mouth-watering tamales? Your taste buds will thank you.
