tamale
A traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables, wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf, and steamed.
Noun
pl: tamales
This term refers specifically to a steamed corn-based dish, carrying strong cultural associations with Mexican and Central American heritage. It is typically used in culinary contexts to describe both the individual wrapped parcel and the general category of the food item.
While the word is a standard countable noun, it is frequently encountered in the plural form "tamales" because they are traditionally prepared and served in large batches.
Meanings
Examples
These cheese tamales are surprisingly spicy.
Gourmet
Related Words
masacornmaizecornmealsteamersteamwrapfillingporkchickencheeselardsalsachilipeppercumingarliconioncilantrolimeMexicoCentral AmericaLatin Americacuisinegastronomystreet foodsnackmealappetizerIndigenousAztecMayanixtamalizationboilsimmerfoldtiestringpotrecipeingredientflavorspicysavorysweetcornbreadtortillaarepapierogidumplingparcelbundlefeastholidayChristmascelebrationmarketvendorkitchencookchefcultureheritagetraditioncarbohydrateproteinfatseasoningpaprikaoreganochipotlehabanerojalapeño