Peruvian Pork Tamal Braise with Seasonal Vegetables
A comforting Peruvian-inspired braised pork tamal dish highlighting seasonal produce, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Paired with a medley of fresh, locally sourced vegetables to celebrate spring's bounty.
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Overview
This Peruvian Pork Tamal Braise is a traditional-inspired dish featuring tender slow-cooked pork wrapped in a corn masa tamal and braised with rich, aromatic spices. Served alongside a medley of fresh spring vegetables, this dish celebrates the vibrant seasonal produce and comforting flavors of Peru. The pork is slowly cooked until meltingly tender, infused with classic Peruvian spices like cumin and aji amarillo, giving it a deeply satisfying flavor profile.
Why you’ll love it
- Slow braise produces incredibly tender, flavorful pork.
- Traditional Peruvian spices bring authentic depth and warmth.
- Seasonal vegetables add freshness, color, and nutritional balance.
- A comforting yet elegant dish perfect for spring gathering.
Ingredient notes
Pork Shoulder: Known for its marbling and rich flavor, ideal for long braises.
Corn Masa: The base for tamales, gives a traditional texture and taste.
Seasonal Vegetables: Use fresh local produce such as asparagus, peas, baby carrots, or spring greens.
Aji Amarillo Paste: A staple Peruvian chili paste, provides mild heat and fruity flavor.
Stock: Use a good-quality chicken or vegetable stock for braising liquid.
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Serving & storage
Serve the pork tamal braise hot with the seasonal vegetable medley on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of stock or water to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly to at least 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
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Chef tips
- For best results, use fresh, local seasonal vegetables available to you.
- Make sure the pork is well-browned for deep flavor before braising.
- When steaming tamals, ensure the water doesn’t touch the tamals to avoid sogginess.
- Leftover tamals can be wrapped tightly and frozen for later use.
Ingredients
- 800 gpork shoulder, cut into 4 large chunks
- 200 gcorn masa harina
- 200 mlchicken stock, divided
- 1 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 mediumonion, finely chopped
- 3 clovesgarlic, minced
- 1 tbspaji amarillo paste
- 1 tspground cumin
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- 2 tbspfresh cilantro, chopped
- 200 gasparagus, trimmed and cut into 5 cm pieces
- 150 gbaby carrots, peeled
- 100 gfresh peas, shelled
- 2 tbspunsalted butter
- salt and pepperto taste
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Equipment
- large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- mixing bowl
- steamer or large pot with steaming rack
- wooden spoon
- chef's knife
- cutting board
Nutrition per serving
- Calories580
- Protein38 g
- Carbs40 g
- Fat25 g
Step-by-step
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Season the pork shoulder chunks generously with salt and pepper.Step 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chunks on all sides, about 5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.Step 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot; sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.Step 4
Stir in the aji amarillo paste, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute to release the aromas.Step 5
Return the pork to the pot. Add half of the chicken stock (100 ml) and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.Step 6
Cover the pot and place it in the preheated oven. Braise the pork for 3 hours or until very tender and easily shredded.Step 7
While pork is braising, prepare the corn masa. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina with the remaining 100 ml chicken stock and a pinch of salt, mixing until a smooth, thick dough forms.Step 8
Once the pork is done, shred it gently with two forks and fold it into the masa dough along with chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Step 9
Shape the pork masa mixture into 8 oval tamals (individual portions), wrap them in parchment paper or banana leaves if available, and steam for 30 minutes until firm and cooked through.Step 10
Meanwhile, steam the seasonal vegetables (asparagus, baby carrots, peas) until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.Step 11
Toss the steamed vegetables with butter, salt, and pepper.Step 12
Serve the hot pork tamals with the buttered seasonal vegetable medley alongside. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
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