A tamale (Spanish: tamal, Nahuatl: tamalli) is a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa or dough(a starchy dough, usually corn-based), which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. The wrapping is discarded before eating. Tamales can be filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, chilies or any preparation according to taste, and both the filling and the cooking liquid may be seasoned.