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.
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.

Step by stepInstructions
- Puree the corn kernels with the broth in a food processor until smooth, scraping down the sides, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the lard and cook the pork with a pinch of salt until browned, about 8 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the tamales, standing them upright or laying them flat.
- Boil for 45 to 60 minutes, adding water to keep them covered, until the masa is firm and pulls cleanly from the husk.
- 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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