Definition
A traditional Mesoamerican dish consisting of masa (corn dough) filled with meat, cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, and steamed. Tamales have been eaten in Mexico and Central America since pre-Columbian times and remain a staple of regional cuisine.
Example Usage
For the holiday gathering, abuela prepared dozens of tamales with chicken and poblano peppers.
Origin
From Nahuatl (Aztec language) tamalli, referring to the ancient steamed corn cake that predates Spanish colonization by centuries.
Fun Fact
Tamales are so culturally significant that in Mexico, street vendors called tamale vendors (tamaleros) traditionally announce their arrival with the call 'Tamaleeees!' each morning.
Related Terms
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