Nica Tamale

Opening a nacatamal is like opening a present on Christmas Day; this banana leaf-wrapped bundle contains lots of surprises. A thin layer of masa coats the filling, in which rice, potato and big chunks of pork are immediately evident. As you fork through, you’ll also find a slice of onion, some green olives (watch out for the pits), raisins, a bit of tomato, a strip or two of green chile and a wisp of greenery. These big Nicaraguan tamales are available every day at El Carmelo on Sunset Boulevard. (Don’t be confused by the name. El Carmelo is actually La Adelita, a chain with several branches in Los Angeles.)

Nacatamales, $3.25 each at El Carmelo (La Adelita No. 5), 1800 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles. (213) 484-9255.