3 exciting vegan recipes from Italy, Panama and the USA
Kim-Julie says: “Tamal de Olla is a Panamanian speciality similar to tamales, but cooked in a pan (olla means “pan”) and omitting the banana leaves. My friend Nina, a chef and previously a restaurant owner, whom I met in New York several years ago, tells me that when she was little, she and her family would drive for several hours to visit their extended family in the countryside, far from Panamá City. The traditional recipe for Tamal de Olla includes shredded chicken, which often came from the local farms or family members’ backyard chicken coops. ‘I didn’t make the connection at the time,’ says Nina, ‘but now that I’m vegan, I’m glad I’m able to enjoy a chicken-less version of this dish.’ Marinated soy curls, creamy polenta and a tomato-vegetable base with fried capers give this recipe its depth of flavour and creamy texture.”
For the tamal base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons achiote/annatto seeds
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 120ml red wine
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 x 400g can tomato passata
- 3 to 4 tablespoons pitted green olives, sliced
- 3 to 4 tablespoons raisins
For the fried capers:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons capers
Method
Make the soy curls: Place the soy curls, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over the soy curls and spices and mix well. Cover with a lid or plate and let soak for at least 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the soy curls and set aside.
Make the creamy corn: In a large pan, bring the water to the boil.
Slowly add the cornmeal/polenta (to avoid clumping), and cook for 3 to 5 minutes over a medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, occasionally stirring and adding vegetable stock as needed, making sure the texture is creamy and thick, and not…..