Tamal Peruano
A beloved Peruvian Sunday breakfast tradition, these tamales feature a savory corn masa dough filled with seasoned chicken, a hard-boiled egg, and an olive, all wrapped and steamed in fragrant banana leaves. The ají panca paste gives them a characteristic vibrant yellow hue and a mild, fruity spice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Corn masa(Freshly prepared corn masa dough is ideal. If using pre-packaged, ensure it's suitable for tamales.)
- 400 g Chicken thighs or breast(Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces.)
- 3 tbsp Ají panca paste(This paste provides color and a mild, fruity flavor. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 10 Banana leaves(Fresh or frozen. If frozen, thaw completely. Cut into approximately 10x12 inch pieces. You'll need to soften them by passing them briefly over a flame or dipping in hot water to make them pliable.)
- 10 Black olives(Pitted, whole olives.)
- 5 Eggs(Large eggs, for hard-boiling.)
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth(Or water, to moisten the masa if needed.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken filling: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken pieces, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of ají panca paste and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. If desired, shred the chicken for easier filling.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Hard-boil the eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water by about an inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 10-12 minutes. Drain hot water and run cold water over the eggs until cool. Peel and halve each egg lengthwise.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Season the masa: In a large bowl, combine the corn masa with the remaining 2 tablespoons of ají panca paste, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the masa is evenly colored and seasoned. If the masa seems too dry or stiff, gradually incorporate chicken broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pliable, spreadable consistency, similar to thick pancake batter.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Prepare the banana leaves: If using fresh banana leaves, pass them briefly over a low flame or dip them in hot water for a few seconds until they become soft and pliable, reducing the risk of tearing. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and pliable. Cut into roughly 10x12 inch rectangles.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Assemble the tamales: Lay one softened banana leaf flat, shiny side up. Spread a generous layer of the seasoned masa (about 1/4 inch thick) over the center half of the leaf, leaving a border. Place a portion of the cooked chicken filling in the center of the masa. Add a halved hard-boiled egg and one olive on top of the chicken. Fold the banana leaf over the filling to enclose it, then fold the sides in to create a neat rectangular package. Secure with kitchen twine if necessary, or ensure the folds are tight.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 6
Steam the tamales: Arrange the tamales upright in a large steamer pot or a pot with a steamer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Add enough water to the pot to reach just below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-high to maintain a steady steam. Cover the pot tightly and steam for at least 2 hours, or until the masa is firm and cooked through. Check the water level periodically and add more boiling water if needed to prevent the pot from drying out.
⏱️ 2 hours 30 minutes - 7
Serve: Carefully remove the tamales from the steamer. Let them rest for about 10 minutes before unwrapping. Serve hot, unwrapped from the banana leaves.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For an authentic Sunday breakfast experience, serve with salsa criolla (a Peruvian onion relish) and a cup of coffee.
- ✓The ají panca paste gives the tamales their characteristic vibrant yellow-orange color.
- ✓Ensure the banana leaves are pliable before wrapping to prevent tearing. Soften them by briefly passing them over a low flame or dipping in hot water.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use shredded pork shoulder instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and egg, and consider adding sautéed vegetables like corn kernels, peas, or diced bell peppers seasoned with herbs.