Tamalito de elote is a sweet Guatemalan tamale made from ground tender corn, wrapped in its own leaf, valued for its sweet flavor and soft texture.
It’s a seasonal preparation, made when the corn is tender and fresh, very popular as a simple snack or dessert.
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Guatemalan Sweet Corn Tamale
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 8 of tender corn cobs, kernels removed
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of lard or butter
- 1 pinch of salt
- 12 of corn husks or leaves, for wrapping
Instructions
- Grind the corn, grind the tender corn kernels until you get a thick paste, with no need to add water.
- Mix, stir the sugar, melted lard, and salt into the ground corn paste, mixing well.
- Prepare the husks, use the same corn leaves, cleaned, or corn husks soaked in hot water.
- Assemble the tamalitos, place a portion of the mixture in the center of each leaf and wrap into a small packet.
- Steam, steam the tamalitos for 40 to 50 minutes, until firm.
- Serve, serve warm, inside the same leaf.
Tips for getting it right
- Using very tender corn is key to achieving this tamalito’s soft texture and characteristic sweet flavor.
- No extra liquid is needed, since the ground tender corn releases its own moisture.
- Using the corn’s own leaves for wrapping is a traditional practice that makes use of the whole product.
- Tamalito de elote is a seasonal preparation, best made when tender corn is at its peak.
Traditional variations
- It’s a seasonal preparation, made when the corn is tender and fresh.
- Some families add fresh cheese or cream to the center of the tamalito for a heartier version.
How to serve
Tamalito de elote is served warm, inside the same leaf, as a simple snack or dessert.
It’s a seasonal preparation very popular in Guatemala when tender corn is available.
Recommended sides
- Coffee
- Cream
Did you know?
Tamalito de elote is one of the few sweet Guatemalan tamales, unlike most, which are savory.
It’s traditionally made using the corn’s own leaves for wrapping, making use of the whole product.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a sweet Guatemalan tamale made from ground tender corn, wrapped in its own leaf.
It's one of the few sweet Guatemalan tamalitos, unlike most of the country's traditional tamales.
It's a seasonal preparation, made when the corn is tender and fresh.
Yes, some families add fresh cheese or cream to the center for a heartier version.