Panamanian Casserole-Style Tamale

c
@cocinero44

Tamal de Olla is a traditional Panamanian dish that resembles tamales but is prepared in a pot. It consists of a savory mixture of cornmeal and various fillings, steamed to create a delicious, hearty meal.

Panamanian Casserole-Style Tamale recipe
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
50min

Ingredients

5 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

For the Dough

  • Cornmeal
    Cornmeal
    2cups
  • chicken broth
    chicken broth
    5cups
  • vegetable oil
    vegetable oil
    6tbsp
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
    Salt and Pepper to taste

For the filling

  • breast fillets
    breast fillets
    3
  • onion, chopped
    onion, chopped
    1
  • sweet peppers, finely chopped
    sweet peppers, finely chopped
    3
  • red pepper,  thinly cut into julienne strips
    red pepper, thinly cut into julienne strips
    1
  • green pepper, finely julienned
    green pepper, finely julienned
    1
  • coriander leaves
    coriander leaves
    6
  • garlic cloves, minced
    garlic cloves, minced
    5
  • Worcestershire sauce
    Worcestershire sauce
    4tbsp
  • stuffed olives, sliced
    stuffed olives, sliced
    1/2cup
  • white wine
    white wine
    1cup
  • chopped capers
    chopped capers
    2tbsp
  • chicken broth
    chicken broth
    1cup
  • Olive oil
    Olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to make Panamanian Casserole-Style Tamale

Prepare the Dough

  1. Step 1

    In a pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and cornmeal. Stir well.

  2. Step 2

    Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

  3. Step 3

    Season with salt and pepper, remove from heat, and set aside.

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Place the chicken breasts in a bowl.

  2. Step 2

    Add half of the minced garlic, the Worcestershire sauce, and half of the white wine.

  3. Step 3

    Mix well and let marinate for 1 hour.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    In a pan, heat some olive oil and sauté the marinated chicken until golden brown.

  2. Step 2

    Remove the chicken and set aside.

Prepare the Filling

  1. Step 1

    In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion, remaining garlic, sweet peppers, and julienned bell peppers.

  2. Step 2

    Pour in the remaining white wine and chicken broth. Let the mixture come to a boil.

  3. Step 3

    Add the sautéed chicken and coriander leaves

  4. Step 4

    Simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the chicken from the sauce and shred it using two forks.

  6. Step 6

    Return the shredded chicken to the pan and mix with the sauce. Add sliced olives and chopped capers.

  7. Step 7

    Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Assemble the Casserole

  1. Step 1

    In a large casserole dish or individual baking dishes, spread a layer of the cornmeal dough.

  2. Step 2

    Add a layer of the chicken filling (avoid using too much sauce).

  3. Step 3

    Top with another layer of cornmeal dough.

  4. Step 4

    Optional: Gratin in the oven until lightly golden on top.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

273.1kcal (13.66%)

Protein

3.0g (6.06%)

Carbs

16.9g (6.15%)

Sugars

2.6g (5.2%)

Healthy Fat

17.2g

Unhealthy Fat

3.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Don't oversaturate with sauce. This keeps the layers from becoming soggy.

  2. You can substitute the meat with vegetables for a vegetarian option.

FAQS

  1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

    Yes, you can substitute the meat with mushrooms and bell peppers.

  2. How should I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  3. What can I serve with Tamal de Olla?

    Serve with a side of avocado slices or pickled vegetables.

  4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

    Yes, the cornmeal dough can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

  5. Is this a good dish for freezing?

    Yes, it freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

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