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Tamales Cubanos

A holiday tradition on the island — Tamales Cubanos are unlike their Mexican cousins: the corn masa is seasoned with a rich pork sofrito, wrapped in corn husks and boiled until tender, with the filling folded right into the dough.

⏱ 40 minPrep time
🔥 60 minCook time
🍽 8Servings
🏷 AppetizerCategory
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Tamales Cubanos - Cubain recipe

A holiday tradition on the island — Tamales Cubanos are unlike their Mexican cousins: the corn masa is seasoned with a rich pork sofrito, wrapped in corn husks and boiled until tender, with the filling folded right into the dough. Cuban tamales are soft, almost creamy, and eaten with a fork straight from the husk. They are the taste of December in Cuba, when families gather to make them by the dozen.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Puree the corn kernels with the broth in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides, and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt the lard and cook the pork with a pinch of salt until browned, about 8 minutes.
  3. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic, and cook until soft, then stir in the tomatoes, cumin, oregano and salt, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir the corn puree into the pork mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the masa thickens into a soft porridge, about 10 minutes; it should be creamy but thick enough to hold a shape.
  5. Lay a soaked corn husk flat, spoon about ⅓ cup (80 ml) of masa down the center, fold the sides over, then fold up the pointed end, and tie with a strip of husk.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the tamales, standing them upright or laying them flat.
  7. Boil for 45 to 60 minutes, adding water to keep them covered, until the masa is firm and pulls cleanly from the husk.
  8. Unwrap and serve hot, with extra mojo or a spoonful of sour cream if you like.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Cuban tamales are intentionally soft, almost like polenta — do not expect the firm cake of a Mexican tamal. If the masa stiffens before wrapping, stir in a splash of warm broth.

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Recipe details

Prep40 min
Cook60 min
Servings8
CategoryAppetizer
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →