Tamales Oaxaqueños de Frijol Negro (Oaxacan Black Bean Tamales)
Banana leaf parcels of soft masa around a thick, garlicky black bean paste scented with aniseed. Vegan and deeply savoury.
Made with Mexican black beans and Tamale masa. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time2 hr 15
- LevelHard
- Costabout £1.26 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Cut the banana leaves into 8 rectangles about 25 by 30 cm, discarding the hard centre rib. Pass each piece over a gas flame or dip in very hot water for a few seconds until glossy and flexible.
- 2
Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the fennel and oregano, then your ready made black beans (see the base recipe). Mash with a potato masher and cook for 10 minutes, stirring, until it forms a thick paste that holds its shape. Season with the salt and cool.
10 min - 3
Put a banana leaf shiny side up. Spread about 3 tbsp (50 g) of your ready made tamale masa (see the base recipe) in a rectangle in the middle of the leaf.
- 4
Spoon a heaped tablespoon of bean paste down the centre. Fold the long sides over to enclose, then fold the ends underneath and tie each parcel with kitchen string. Make 8.
- 5
Steam over simmering water for 1 hour 5 minutes, topping up the water, until the masa is firm and pulls cleanly from the leaf. Rest for 10 minutes.
65 min - 6
Unwrap and eat, discarding the banana leaf. Serve with lime and hot sauce.
Tips
- Cook the bean paste until it is thick enough to hold a spoon upright, otherwise it leaks.
- Wipe each softened banana leaf clean with a damp cloth before using.
- No banana leaf? Use dried corn husks, soaked, or baking parchment squares.
- Crushed fennel seed stands in for avocado leaf, which gives Oaxacan bean tamales their aniseed note.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours, then keep in the fridge in their leaves for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat by steaming for 15 to 20 minutes until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Where do I buy banana leaves?
Frozen banana leaves are sold in Asian and Latin American shops and some large supermarkets. Thaw them before use.
Are these tamales vegan?
Yes, with the vegan masa and vegetable stock beans from the base recipes. They are also gluten free, dairy free, egg free and nut free.
Can I use tinned beans?
Yes. Use 300 g drained, rinsed black beans, mash with a splash of water and fry as in the recipe. Homemade beans taste richer.
More made with mexican black beans
Sopa de Pollo con Frijoles Negros (Chicken and Black Bean Soup)
GFDFEFMemelas con Frijol y Quesillo (Oaxacan Bean and Cheese Corn Cakes)
GFEFNFChiles Poblanos Rellenos de Frijol Negro y Queso (Poblanos Stuffed with Black Beans and Cheese)
NFVTostadas de Frijol Negro y Pimiento Asado (Black Bean and Roasted Pepper Tostadas)
GFDFEFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.