Variations may include other fillings, such as vegetables or herbs, or no filling at all. Tamales are typically made by stuffing corn dough with some meat. Other fillings may include vegetables, herbs, rice, and legumes - or there may be no filling at all. Some recipes call for seasoning the dough with chili or achiote for color, while others add sauces or toppings such as chili and tomato sauce, cheese, and sour cream, to name a few. sweet fillings like fresh or dried fruit.savory fillings like beef, chicken, or pork.

corn or sweet corn dough, depending on whether you’re preparing a sweet or savory tamale.

However, their basic ingredients typically include:

The ingredients, preparation, wrapper, fillings, and size of tamales vary depending on the country and region in which they are made.

They originated in ancient Indigenous cultures in which corn had sacred meaning. They are then wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf and steamed instead of fried.įor the most part, they’re a special-occasion food in Latin American countries, traditionally reserved for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, but people also consume them year-round.

Tamales are a dish made out of corn dough - although some variations may use rice dough - stuffed with a combination of meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, and herbs, depending on each country’s tradition.

Beef tamales tortilla flats