Honduran food is flavorful and filling, and few dishes exemplify this better than the tamale. Whether you’re curious to try a tamale for the first time or are already a fan, you might be interested to know where this traditional dish originated and how it’s prepared. Here are some facts to keep in mind the next time you dine at a Honduran restaurant.

Origins

The term tamale is an Anglicized version of the Spanish "tamal." The tamal is a pre-Hispanic food that originated in Mesoamerica between 8000 and 5000 B.C.

Historians believe the dish spread from indigenous Mexican and Guatemalan cultures to the rest of Latin America. Aztec, Maya, Olmec, and Toltec civilizations believed the tamal was a sacred food for the gods and used it in rituals and festivals. They also distributed tamales to soldiers and used them when hunting and traveling.

Preparation

Tamales are made of masa, a corn-based dough. The dough and fillings are wrapped in several layers of precooked corn husks or banana leaves, which are tied up with thin strips of leaves.

The wrapping seals the aromas and flavors in without letting in any water. Usually, cooks untie and remove the leaves before serving, though they may leave a portion for presentation. 

Tamales can contain various fillings, including meats, cheeses, vegetables, chickpeas, capers, olives, potatoes, fruits, and chilies. They're sometimes served with lime slices and hot sauce.

Common Types

Tamales de elote are made from mature corn rather than green corn. The masa for tamales de elote is made by cooking dried corn kernels in ashes or lime before grinding them and adding water. With most other tamales, the cornmeal is mixed with lard.

Tamales de frijoles are made with refried beans and achiote. Meanwhile, tamales de maiz verde and montucas are crafted slightly differently, made with the corn grated off the cob.

Nacatamales are traditionally served at Christmas and other special occasions. They consist of cornmeal and chicken or pork with other ingredients, like cilantro, salt, chili, peas, onion, garlic, carrots, olives, potatoes, and achiote, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for one to two hours.

If your mouth is watering for some delicious tamales, stop by Five Stars Honduras Restaurant in Coraopolis, PA. This restaurant is known for its impeccable authentic South American cuisine, including Honduran food staples like tamales, baleadas, and empanadas. Call (412) 329-7978 to make a reservation or place a takeout order for delicious Honduran food. Visit the website to view the menu and learn more about the restaurant.