Tamales

A Mexican classic, these chile and cheese vegetarian tamales are filled with serrano chiles and Monterey jack cheese.

These are a perennial favorite at the Border Grill in Los Angeles. Serve them with sour cream and pico de gallo, a fresh salsa-like condiment made with chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

This is an ideal recipe for tamale newbies, because the tamales are simple to wrap and the flavor combination is sublime. Most Latin markets carry frozen banana leaves, and you’ll need eight 10-inch squares of foil. Serve with Mexican crema.