Banana Leaf Tamales

Embark on a culinary journey with these exquisite banana leaf tamales. Infused with a blend of aromatic spices and wrapped in the earthy notes of banana leaves, this traditional Mexican dish will enchant your taste buds and transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.

Ingredients:

• 🌶️ 4 guajillo peppers
• 🌶️ 2 ancho peppers
• 🌶️ 6 Chiles de árbol
• 🌶️ 2 dried chipotle peppers
• 🥩 3.5 to 4 lb Pork shoulder
• 🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
• 🧄 4 cloves of garlic
• 🧅 1/4 onion
• 🍅 3 roma tomatoes
• 🌽 4 cups of instant corn masa
• 🧂 1 tsp of salt
• 🧈 2 cups of lard
• 🍲 2 cups of chicken stock
• 🍃 Banana leaves
• 🧀 Queso fresco (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Peppers:
   • Remove seeds from guajillo, ancho, Chiles de árbol, and chipotle peppers. Boil them until they become tender.
2. Cook the Pork:
   • Season the pork shoulder with salt and black pepper.
   • In a pot, add the pork and cover with water. Let it simmer until the pork is tender.
3. Make the Sauce:
   • In a blender, combine boiled peppers, garlic cloves, onion, and Roma tomatoes. Add a bit of cooking liquid from the boiled peppers. Blend until smooth.
4. Prepare the Masa:
   • In a large bowl, combine instant corn masa, salt, and melted lard.
   • Gradually add chicken stock, mixing until you reach a dough-like consistency.
5. Prepare Banana Leaves:
   • Wash and cut the banana leaves into manageable sizes.
6. Assemble the Tamales:
   • Spread a thin layer of masa onto the banana leaves.
   • Add a spoonful of pork and sauce mixture in the center. Optionally, add cubes of queso fresco.
   • Fold the banana leaves to enclose the filling securely.
7. Cook the Tamales:
   • Steam the tamales. When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for one hour.
     Prep Time: 30 minutes
     Cook Time: 1.5 hours
     Total Time: 2 hours

Equipment:

• Blender
• Large Pot
• Steamer or large pot with a steaming insert
  Servings: Approximately 12-15 tamales

Cooking Tips:

• Make sure the banana leaves are thoroughly washed to enhance flavor and ensure they don't tear.
• Adjust the number of Chiles de árbol for spiciness according to your preference.

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Banana Leaf Tamales