Indeed, Latin America has hundreds of interpretations of the tamal (that's the proper singular, though Americans use tamale). Tamales vary not just by country but often by region. In Mexico alone, "we have over 200 tamales," says Iliana de la Vega, a chef-instructor at the Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio, who is documenting Latin American foodways. https://www.kbia.org/2... https://www.kbia.org/2011-12-24/pride-and-prejudice-for-latinos-tamales-offer-up-a-delicious-serving-of-both