Tamales From Start to Finish-Photo2

Assemble Tamales:

  1. Have ready the masa batter, chicken filling, the banana leaf squares, and their ties. Also have available a tray to place the tamales once they are assembled.
  2. Lay flat one leaf square, shiny side up. Center 2 rounded tablespoons of the masa mixture on top of the leaf and flatten it out into a 4 x 2 inch rectangle.
  3. Scoop a heaping spoonful of the chicken filling and place it over the masa. Top with another spoonful of the masa mixture. Fold one side of the leaves over the filling. Fold over the opposite side. Fold the two open ends over as firmly as you can without squishing the filling around too much.
  4. Tie to secure the folds. Place assembled tamale on the tray and repeat the assembly steps with the remaining leaves, masa batter, and chicken mixture.