How to make Tamal Santafereño

Why cooks start here

Tamal Santafereño is cooked the way Bogotá cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a colombian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Tamal Santafereño hails from Bogotá, where it's a staple of home cooking. It's traditionally prepared with generous hands, particularly when it comes to salt and fat, to ensure a rich, satisfying meal. This tamal is a beloved feature of Colombian family tables, capturing the essence of home-cooked comfort without the need for ceremony. The tamal is a hearty bundle of flavors, with tender chicken and potatoes wrapped snugly in corn masa and banana leaf. Each bite is a symphony of savory and subtly sweet notes, elevated by the distinctive taste of hogao. It's a dish meant for sharing, inviting everyone to savor its warmth and depth.