Name: Conch Tamales with Jalapeño-Cheese Pesto
Yield: Makes 20 tamals
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons diced onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 2 jalapeño chiles, seeded, deveined, and sliced; 1 tablespoon ground turmeric; 8 ounces queso blanco or Muenster cheese, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice; 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice; 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch dice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 7 to 8 cups fresh corn kernels (from 15 ears), husks reserved; 1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoons sugar; Salt to taste; 1 pound fresh conch, ground; 1 large 1/2-inch-thick slice queso blanco or Muenster cheese (optional); 1 pound whole mixed olives (such as kalamata, niçoise, and alphonso); 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

Unlike most tamal recipes, which use dried corn (masa harina), this one is Cuban-style, made with fresh corn kernels. I've also added a different touch by replacing the traditional pork filling with conch. The flavor and texture proved very popular at Yuca, and it remained on the menu as a fixture.

These tamales are very convenient for entertaining. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, or kept in the refrigerator and then popped in the microwave. In fact, it's not worth making a smaller batch, so you'll probably want to freeze some of them. Likewise, the pesto can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated.

Recipe notes

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.