Costa Rican Tamale Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups corn masa harina
• 3 cups chicken broth (warm)
• 1 cup pork lard or vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon annatto paste (for color and subtle flavor)
• 2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers (red and green), diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1/2 cup dried peas (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 20 large banana leaves (softened by briefly passing over a flame or boiling)
• Kitchen twine or strips of banana leaf for tying