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Tamalito | Traditional Appetizer From Amazonas, Peru | TasteAtlas

Tamalito

Tamalito is the Peruvian version of tamales. They are smaller and drier than tamales, but both are prepared in a similar fashion. Green maize is first combined with lard, and the combination is then filled with various ingredients and wrapped in corn leaves before being tied with a string and steamed in a pot.


Tamalitos are traditionally served as a light appetizer or a tasty side dish. It is recommended to pair them with salsa criolla.

Serve with

Salsa

Salsa criolla

Salsa criolla is the onion-based condiment served alongside many Peruvian and Argentinian dishes. Next to thinly sliced onions, it can incorporate a huge variety of ingredients ... Read more

Recipe variations

  • 4.5

    Tamal Criollo

    READY IN 2h 40min

    Discover the flavors of Lima with this tamal criollo recipe, adapted from Peru Travel, Peru's official tourism website. This recipe involves blending corn, chicken, eggs, olives, and the warmth of mirasol ají peppers and wrapping it in corn husks or banana leaves. Steamed to perfection and accompanied by salsa criolla sauce, these tamales offer a taste of Peru's traditional cooking in every bite.

  • 4.4

    Tamalitos Verdes (Green Tamalitos)

    READY IN 1h 25min

    Tamalitos verdes are a vibrant and traditional dish from the region of Piura in northern Peru, known for their rich green color and aromatic flavor. This dish transforms white corn, cilantro, and optional spinach into a luscious dough, which is then delicately wrapped in corn husks and steamed to perfection. Serve with the tangy salsa criolla.

  • n/a

    Tamales Chinchanos

    READY IN 2d 6h

    The Tamales Chinchanos are a unique culinary feature from the city of Chincha, Peru. Unlike other tamales, they are known for their square shape and are traditionally tied with six turns, three on each side. The following is the authentic tamales chinchanos recipe. It calls for a combination of pork leg and jowl, white corn, peanuts, a blend of Peruvian ají peppers, and some pisco to make the filling. The extensive preparation includes grinding corn soaked for two days, making annatto lard, and simmering meats to perfection, then wrapping everything in banana leaves and steaming in a deep pan. 

  • 4.3

    Tamal de Quinua

    READY IN 1h 20min

    Explore the nutritious world of Andean cuisine with this Tamal de Quinua recipe, a delightful twist on the traditional tamale that substitutes the usual corn masa with quinoa, an ancient grain revered for its health benefits. This dish offers a light yet satisfying filling of seasoned chicken, fragrant with panca pepper and garlic, all bundled in a corn husk with a slice of boiled egg and an olive. Serve with a tangy salsa criolla.

  • 4.1

    Tamales Cusqueños (Sweet Tamales)

    READY IN 2h 45min

    Savor the sweetness of the Andes with Tamales Cusqueños, a delightful treat from the heart of Cusco. This recipe features giant white corn, a staple grain of the region, enriched with sugar, vegetable shortening, and a hint of vanilla to make a dough studded with raisins and wrapped in corn husks; these tamales are steamed to a delicate tenderness, offering a comforting, sweet spin on the traditional savory tamale.

Tamalito Authentic recipe

PREP 1h
COOK 1h 40min
READY IN 2h 40min

Discover the flavors of Lima with this tamal criollo recipe, adapted from Peru Travel, Peru's official tourism website. This recipe involves blending corn, chicken, eggs, olives, and the warmth of mirasol ají peppers and wrapping it in corn husks or banana leaves. Steamed to perfection and accompanied by salsa criolla sauce, these tamales offer a taste of Peru's traditional cooking in every bite.

WHERE TO EAT The best Tamalito in the world (according to food experts)

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