The Best Package

This little package may not look like much, but inside awaits my very favorite Mexican food: a tamale. In many parts of Mexico tamales are wrapped in corn husks, but in southern Mexico they are traditionally enveloped in banana leaves. If you are unfamiliar with tamales, the leaf or husk is spread with masa, which is a corn flour dough. Another filling is added: meat, vegetables, beans, or chiles.
Mole (MO-lay) is a type of sauce that is famous in the Oaxaca area. There are as many variants as there are cooks, but in all cases it contains some type of chile and many spices and other ingredients (up to 30) , often including chocolate. The blend of so many flavors creates a thick, rich sauce that is used in many types of dishes.
This tamale has mole and chicken. After the filling is added, the tamales are wrapped and steamed. The banana leaves impart a certain flavor, or maybe it's just their aroma, but they are scrumptious!