Tamales are an ancient gluten free food that is portable, delicious, and can vary greatly. Tamales originated in Mesoamerica around 8000 to 5000 BCE. The most likely source for the creation of tamales is in Guatemala or Mexico. This was an easy food to transport during battle, hunting, and general traveling. The cultures that originated tamales considered corn and tamales to be sacred and these were often used during rituals.
Tamales are most commonly corn-based and made of masa dough that is filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, chiles, or fruits. A sauce may be included in the preparation. The dish is wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf. Originally, the tamales were cooked by burying in hot ashes, but these days they are steamed. Ancient tamales didn’t necessarily include fat, but modern tamales do. Because tamales can be such a labor-intensive process, they have become associated with holidays like christmas and can be made into an event called a tamalada. These events are thought to strengthen friendships.
Whether you make tamales yourself, or purchase them from someone, you can appreciate the history of this food, and the time and effort that went into preparing them.