Inuit-inspired Tamales Salteños

Ingredients

Inuit-inspired Tamales Salteños incorporate traditional Inuit ingredients and flavors, such as smoked fish, seal meat, and Arctic herbs. The original dish's filling is adapted to include these ingredients, adding a distinct smoky and earthy taste to the tamales. Additionally, the corn masa dough is prepared using locally sourced ingredients, such as Arctic cornmeal, to suit the Inuit cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Tamales Salteños, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) Arctic cornmeal 2 cups (470ml) Arctic cornmeal
• 1 cup (235ml) water 1 cup (235ml) water
• 1 lb (450g) smoked fish, flaked 1 lb (450g) smoked fish, flaked
• 1 lb (450g) seal meat, cooked and shredded 1 lb (450g) seal meat, cooked and shredded
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon Arctic herbs (such as Labrador tea or Arctic sage) 1 tablespoon Arctic herbs (such as Labrador tea or Arctic sage)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Banana leaves for wrapping Banana leaves for wrapping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the Arctic cornmeal and water to form a smooth dough. Set aside.
2. 2.
   In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the carrot and bell pepper, cooking until tender.
3. 3.
   Add the flaked smoked fish and shredded seal meat to the skillet. Season with Arctic herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Take a portion of the corn masa dough and flatten it on a banana leaf. Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto the dough and fold the leaf to enclose the filling securely.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used.
6. 6.
   Steam the wrapped tamales for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Inuit-inspired Tamales Salteños warm, unwrapping the banana leaves before enjoying.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arctic cornmeal — If Arctic cornmeal is not available, you can substitute it with regular cornmeal. However, the unique flavor of Arctic cornmeal adds an authentic touch to the dish.
• Smoked fish — Use any smoked fish of your choice, such as Arctic char or smoked salmon, to add a smoky and savory taste to the tamales.
• Seal meat — If seal meat is not accessible, you can substitute it with another lean meat, such as venison or lean beef, to maintain the rich and hearty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the smoky flavor, you can add a small amount of liquid smoke to the filling mixture.
• Serve the tamales with a dollop of Inuit-style cranberry sauce for a tangy and sweet accompaniment.
• If banana leaves are not available, you can use parchment paper as a substitute for wrapping the tamales.
• Experiment with different combinations of Arctic herbs to find your preferred flavor profile.
• Leftover tamales can be refrigerated and reheated in a steamer for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Inuit-inspired Tamales Salteños as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad of Arctic greens and a side of Inuit-style cranberry sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of Arctic herbs for an added touch of authenticity.

Presentation advice

Arrange the unwrapped tamales on a platter, showcasing their vibrant colors and enticing aroma. Decorate the platter with fresh Arctic herbs and edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation.