Other Tamale filling ideas

You can also make tamales using the raw masa method, swapping out corn husks for banana leaves, described as follows.

Cut the banana leaves into placemat-size rectangles. In the center, press a square of masa, then top with the filling of your choice. Wrap the tamale as you would a gift, bringing the left side over the top, then the right side; then fold down the excess on the top and bottom and turn the banana leaf over to steam it with the folded-side down.