The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tamale \Ta*ma"le\, n. [Written also tamal, tomale.] [Amer.
   Sp. tamal, of Mex. origin.]
   A Mexican dish made of crushed corn (cornmeal) mixed with
   minced meat, seasoned with red pepper, dipped in oil, and
   steamed.
   [Webster 1913 Suppl.]