PINOY HAPAGKAINAN

Tamales

(Filipino Style Tamales)

 Traditional farmers packed lunch in some provinces of the Philippines

wherein rice and meats are wrapped together in banana leaves. A 

special delicacy served during a fiesta or any special occasions. 

Ingredients :

• 3 cups rice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup roasted peanut
• 1/2 cup chicken
• 1/2 cup sliced ham
• 1/2 cup shelled shrimp
• 2 boiled egg
• 5 cups coconut milk
• Atsuete powder (dissolve in 1/2 cup of water)
• Banana leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

• In a frying pan, toast the rice until golden brown.
• Grind rice in a blender and set aside. After the rice, grind the roasted peanuts.
• In a deep pan combine coconut milk, salt, pepper and brown sugar, let it boil.
• Add the powdered rice, with constant stirring.
• Add the ground roasted peanut, stir constantly and cook over low heat until thick.
• Continue cooking the paste, until it separates from the pan. 
• Divide the paste into 2 parts, set aside other half of the paste (regular paste)
• Add atsuete water to to the remaining half and cook for 5 minutes (red paste)
• Lay two banana leaves. At the center, put 3 tablespoons of the regular paste and flatten lightly. 
• Top each with chicken, sliced ham, eggs and shrimp. Cover with 3 tablespoons of red paste.
• Wrap with banana leaves in four folds and steam for 20 to 30 minutes.