Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Rooted in the vibrant traditions of Mesoamerican cooking, this Yucca-Stuffed Tamal with Achiote Sauce highlights the rich flavors of ground yucca wrapped in fragrant banana leaves. Steamed to perfection, these tamales are infused with earthy spices and served with a luscious achiote sauce, bringing deep, smoky, and citrusy notes to every bite. A dish that pays homage to ancient culinary techniques while delivering bold, comforting flavors. 🌿🔥
Ingredients For Yucca-Stuffed Tamal with Achiote Sauce
🔥 For the Tamal Dough:
☑ 2 cups mashed yucca root (cassava) 🌿
☑ 1 cup masa harina 🌽
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 sea salt 🧂
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 ground cumin ✨
☑ ¼ teaspoon🥄 smoked paprika 🌶
☑ 3 tablespoons🥄 melted lard or coconut oil 🛢
☑ ½ cup warm vegetable broth 🥣
🔥 For the Filling:
☑ 1 cup shredded chicken, beef, or mushrooms 🍗🍄
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 ground annatto (achiote) 🌺
☑ ¼ teaspoon🥄 black pepper ✨
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 garlic powder 🧄
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 olive oil 🛢
☑ ¼ cup diced onions 🧅
🔥 For the Achiote Sauce:
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 achiote paste 🌺
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 apple cider vinegar 🍏
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 oregano 🌿
☑ 1 teaspoon🥄 honey 🍯
☑ ¾ cup chicken or vegetable broth 🥣
☑ 1 tablespoon🥄 olive oil 🛢
🔥 For Wrapping & Serving:
☑ 4-6 banana leaves (or corn husks) 🌿
☑ Fresh cilantro 🍃
☑ Lime wedges 🍋
👨🍳 Cooking Steps For Yucca-Stuffed Tamal with Achiote Sauce
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Dough & Filling
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix mashed yucca, masa harina, sea salt, cumin, smoked paprika, and melted lard/coconut oil.
2️⃣ Slowly add warm vegetable broth until the dough is soft but holds together.
3️⃣ In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft. Add shredded protein/mushrooms, annatto, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes and set aside.
🔥 Step 2: Assemble the Tamales
1️⃣ Cut banana leaves into 8×10 inch sections and briefly pass them over a flame to soften.
2️⃣ Spread 2 tablespoons of yucca dough onto each leaf, leaving space around the edges.
3️⃣ Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center, then fold and roll the tamal tightly. Secure with kitchen twine if needed.
🔥 Step 3: Steam to Perfection
1️⃣ Place tamales in a steamer basket over boiling water.
2️⃣ Cover and steam for 45-60 minutes until firm and aromatic.
🔥 Step 4: Make the Achiote Sauce
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a small pan and stir in achiote paste, vinegar, oregano, honey, and broth.
2️⃣ Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
🔥 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Unwrap tamales and drizzle with warm achiote sauce.
2️⃣ Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
Steamed in banana leaves, infused with earthy achiote, and bursting with rich flavors, this Yucca-Stuffed Tamal with Achiote Sauce is a true tribute to ancestral cooking. Whether enjoyed as a celebratory dish or a cozy comfort meal, it brings a taste of tradition to every plate.
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Nopales con Escamoles You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
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