Steam

This recipe can be doubled easily. Use a larger steamer, about ten inches in diameter, to cook all four portions at once in the same basket.

This dish is also delicious with mussels. Decrease the amount of chiles if you like it less spicy.

Liana DiMeglio of Liana’s Trattoria in Fairfield, Connecticut, brought this recipe from Naples, Italy, years ago.

The tamales can be made through step 4 up to a month in advance and frozen; steam directly from the freezer (cooking time will be longer—follow recipe directions to check for doneness).

Be sure to use regular-size carrots, not baby carrots, for the proper sweetness and moisture in this delicate, lighter substitute for mashed sweet potatoes.