Steamed Tamalitos with Corn Masa and Black Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft, steamed tamalitos made from fresh corn masa mixed with black beans, a traditional Guatemalan dish perfect for breakfast or as a side. This Latin American-inspired recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 70 minutes, combines fresh corn masa harina, warm water, cooked black beans, mashed into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 8, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups fresh corn masa harina with 1 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually add 2 cups warm water and 2 tbsp vegetable oil, mixing with your hands until a soft dough forms that holds together but is not sticky.
  2. Step 2: Fold in 1 cup mashed cooked black beans evenly throughout the masa dough.
  3. Step 3: Cut banana leaves or parchment paper into 8x8 inch squares and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a flat rectangle about 1/2-inch thick, and place each on a prepared leaf or paper. Fold the leaf/paper over the dough to form a neat packet.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the packets in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover tightly, and steam for 45 minutes until firm and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove tamalitos carefully from leaves and serve warm as a breakfast treat or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Tamalitos with Corn Masa and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Steamed Tamalitos with Corn Masa and Black Beans?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Tamalitos with Corn Masa and Black Beans?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Tamalitos with Corn Masa and Black Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Steamed Tamalitos with Corn Masa and Black Beans vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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