COPPER🇳🇮 Nicaragua
Nacatamal recipe
Savor the rich flavors of traditional Nicaraguan nacatamal.
Ingredients
- 500 g masa harina
- 300 g pork shoulder
- 200 g potato
- 100 g carrot
- 1 unit green bell pepper
- 1 unit onion
- 2 unit garlic
- 4 unit banana leaves
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 250 ml water
How to make Nacatamal
- Soak 5 large banana leaves in hot water for about 15 minutes until pliable and flexible.
- In a bowl, mix 500 g of masa harina with 1 cup of water, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of cumin, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Prepare the filling by cooking 400 g of diced pork shoulder with diced potatoes, carrots, and chopped green bell pepper along with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked and tender.
- Spread a layer of masa (about 1/4 cup) onto each banana leaf, leaving space for the filling in the center.
- Add a spoonful of the prepared filling on top of the masa and fold the banana leaves securely to wrap the nacatamales.
- Place the wrapped nacatamales in a steamer and steam for about 2 hours until fully cooked through and firm to the touch.
- Carefully unwrap one nacatamal to check for doneness before removing all from the steamer.
- Serve the nacatamales hot, optionally with a side of salsa or salad for freshness.
What is Nacatamal?
Nacatamal is a traditional dish from Nicaragua. It takes about 180 minutes to prepare, is considered medium to make at home, and uses 12 ingredients.
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