World Flavors Cookbook

Tamales Oaxaqueños

Elegant corn masa parcels filled with rich black mole and shredded chicken, wrapped in banana leaves for a silky texture.

Cuisine: Mexico

Ingredients

• 1 kg fine corn masa
• Banana leaves, softened over fire
• 1 cup black mole sauce
• 500g shredded chicken
• Pork lard and chicken broth

Instructions

1. Whip the masa with lard and broth until light and fluffy.
2. Cut banana leaves into large squares.
3. Spread a thin layer of masa in the center of a leaf.
4. Add chicken mixed with mole.
5. Fold the leaf into a rectangular flat packet.
6. Steam for 90 minutes until firm.
7. The banana leaf infuses the masa with a subtle herbal tea-like flavor.