Guatemalan Tamales for Christmas: colorado, negro & chuchito
A few Guatemalans living abroad asked for photos of tamales colorado (red) and negro (black) made especially for Christmas Eve and Christmas through New Years, so that is the reason for today’s photo. You would never see a plate like this one with three different kind of tamales served at once since it is against Guatemalan etiquette to eat more than one tamal at the time; you may eat as many tamales as you stomach may allow, but one after another (see the quote below for further explanation). The tamal colorado (red) is the most often seen the tamal in Guatemala along with the small chuchito (wrapped with corn husks), but the tamal negro (black) is usually made only for special occasions and Christmas, of course. The black tamal takes its name from the chocolate-based sauce and comes with raising, dried plums and nuts. Yes, it is bit sweet, although the tamal negro is considered a main dish. I have posted before a photo of two other kind of tamales before: the pache and the chuchito.
Never order two tamales together, as Guatemalan etiquette calls for eating one at a time. Of course, you may help yourself to more tamales as often as you want, just like my dear Uncle Rafa, who in his good times started a Christmastime competition of eating red tamales and once consumed 17 in a row.
Another warning: The big leaf on which red tamales are served is a plantain leaf and is not edible. I can never forget my dear grandmom´s joke about a gringo telling his Guatemalan hostess that the tamales were very good — only the lettuce was too hard. (Quoted from Tamales at Revue Magazine by Arturo Echeverría; click the link to read the whole entry)
Thank you all for your kinds words and wishes. I leave you with the recipe for the tamal colorado in English and Spanish (here is another recipe for the red tamal).
Today’s entry is dedicated to my niece Samantha. I love you very much Samantha.
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December 26th, 2006
i would love one of the tamales now. I have features your blog today. I wanted everyone to know the different ways christmas was celebrated around the world and I told people that you have the best information and photos and they should read your blog for information. have a good day.
December 26th, 2006
yum!
December 26th, 2006
I love your tío Rafa´s 17 tamales eaten in a row…hahahahaha. I hope he´d been the winner. I think if your uncle´d come to my home at this christmas, he´d finished with all my stock of tamalitos, because I made only 20. 1 the tester, 2 for my husband and me….17 for your lovely uncle Rafa!!!
Thanks for this delicious picture!!!
December 27th, 2006
This year I wont complain about spending the Navidades out of Guate, My best gift this year was my “mama” coming from Guate, and some “paches” that she will prepare just form me, I appreciate the Pic tho, looks so good, I miss the “cuetes” manin, but next year I hope will see the christmas in the home town. anyways un fuerte abrazo y salud con ponche!
December 27th, 2006
I have no idea what it tastes like, but it looks delicious!
December 28th, 2006
Patsy: Well, I’ll buy one or two for you next time you come into town.
Lessie: The tamales were good and tasteful.
Chachi: Actually Rafa is not my uncle. Rafa is Arturo’s uncle, but I would invite him over for Christmas either. He would eat all my tamales.
Ale: Your mom’s visit is certainly the best gift for Christmas, even if she comes without tamales. Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo para usté también.
Dutchie: Sorry, flavors and smells can not be posted yet in this version of WordPress.
December 28th, 2006
I have to say I prefer the chuchitos. When I studied Spanish in Antigua the chuchitos were always being sold at breaktime. Apparently they are a lot easier to make. I found the texture of the tamales exterior to be soupy which I didn’t care for. Maybe I just didn’t try the right ones.
May 9th, 2007
Are there any places in the United States where I can find Guatemalan tamales. Or if there is a store where they sell frozen tamales. Thank you
November 27th, 2007
YUM yum, I’m 3 months pregnant and you guys won’t believe my “cravings” YUP Tamales.. the crazy thing is that I thought I would never get to eat one, but guess what? I found a store that sold the plantain leaf, believe it in the BIG APPLE NEW YORK?. So I called mom for the recipe, So just finished eating 3 tamales, and for being the first time making them I did pretty good.. I just got to make 30.. and seeing them here online AWESOME! wish i could take a picture..mmmm mmmm. my next thing is chuchitos.. LOL
February 27th, 2008
[...] with black beans), atol de platano (plantain-based hot and thick drink) and even the wrappings of traditional Guatemalan tamal came from the banana trees. Man, I could on and on talking about bananas recipes and dishes in [...]