Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Nacatamale is a typical food here in Nicaragua. They're typically prepared on Fridays and eaten on Saturdays and Sundays with bread and black coffee. A nacatamale consists of dough (masa) (made from nixtamalized corn flower, milk and lard mixed with ground potatoes, green peppers, onions, garlic, salt, and spices) and a filling (relleno) consisting of pork or chicken, tomatoes, rice, garlic, onions, potatoes, and mint leaves. The filling may also include olives, raisins, or fresh chile. It is wrapped in plantain leaves to give it a unique flavor, tied, and then steamed or pressure cooked for several hours.