Honduran Tamales

Step 1
Pour about 3/4 of the masa harina into a large pot. Add water in batches, mixing until a moderately thin batter forms.

Step 2
Combine tomato, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, cumin, and bouillon in a blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into the pot with the batter and season with salt. Pour about 5 cups of this combined mixture into a smaller pot; add tomato paste and stir until it is an even red color.

Step 3
Pour 2 cups oil into the large pot of batter; pour remaining 1 cup oil into the smaller pot of red batter. Bring both pots to a boil, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Cook until flavors set, 3 to 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.

Step 4
Cut banana leaves into 12×15-inch rectangles. Spoon 1 cup regular batter and 1/4 cup red batter into the center of each leaf. Add small amounts of pork, potatoes, rice, and peas. Fold leaf over the filling several times; fold sides in. Wrap twine around tamale to hold in place.

Step 5
Place tamales in a large pot; cover halfway with water. Cover and cook over medium heat until filling has thickened, about 1 hour.