File number: cma0022

© South American Pictures/ Tony Morrison

Colombia.  Tamales in banana leaves at a streetside market, Magdalena valley.  Tamales are made of fresh corn [maize] pounded in a mortar until it forms a paste or masa.  To this masa other ingredients are added - perhaps some chopped cooked meat, local white cheese, some boiled egg or even fruit - and seasoned. The mixture is then wrapped and tied in banana leaves and steamed over boiling water.