Tamales are a typical holiday delicacy in a lot of Hispanic and Latin countries. Tamales have been around since 8000-5000 BC. Tamales were developed by ancient civilizations like the Aztecs, Mayans, Olmecs, Toltecs, this meal held great importance in rituals and festivities. Every culture prepares them differently, as does every family. There is no right recipe, each one is molded to different preferences.
If you are unaware, tamales are made from corn, they are wrapped in corn husks, masa, the spongy part is especially prepared for tamales, they are then filled with various types of fillings. The most common are beef, chicken and cheese. The chicken and cheese tamales are bathed in green salsa, the beef ones covered in red salsa. Tamales are steamed and cooked for about an hour.
Another common type of tamal are those made with banana leaves, the masa tends to be less thick when making these tamales. The common types of fillings for these tamales are chicken and pork. These are equally as tasty and filled with abundances of flavor.
Many may not know since they are not commonly eaten, but there are sweet fruit flavored tamales. Strawberry, pineapple, and uncommonly raisin ones with regular sugar. Some don’t like the concept nor the taste of a sweet tamal. It can best be compared to a very moist piece of sweet bread. Sweet tamales are not for everyone which is why they aren’t as commercialized in Mexican grocery stores as the traditional tamales are.
Tamales have been a traditional Christmas food for a long time. They are enjoyed by everyone and offer warmth and comfort. When accompanied by a nice warm glass of champurrado, the taste will remind anyone of the holidays.
