Tamale

Corn masa dough steamed inside a husk wrapper/World Cuisines

Tamales are one of the oldest prepared foods in the Americas, dating back to at least 8000 BCE in Mesoamerica. They consist of masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheeses, chilies, or sweet ingredients, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed. They remain a centerpiece of celebrations across Mexico and Central America.