Tamales Verdes
Tamales Verdes are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (corn dough) filled with meats like chicken or pork, all enveloped in a vibrant, tangy green salsa made from tomatillos and green chiles. They are typically wrapped in corn husks and steamed until the dough is tender and flavorful.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the masa, with moderate protein from the meat filling and healthy fats from the salsa and any added lard or oil in the dough. A single tamale typically provides around 250-350 calories, along with vitamins A and C from the green sauce and minerals like iron and calcium from the corn.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 3.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
Per 1 tamale (approx. 150 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Tamales Verdes are a festive staple often prepared for celebrations like Christmas or Día de los Muertos, symbolizing community and shared effort in the 'tamalada' (tamale-making gathering). The green salsa not only adds a bright, zesty flavor but also provides antioxidants and a lighter nutritional profile compared to red sauce versions.
