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Episode 1207: Tamales Tried and True, Rick Bayless "Mexico: One Plate at a Time"

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Rick Bayless
Rick Bayless
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Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish with roots in Mesoamerican cultures, often enjoyed during celebrations and holidays. They are made by wrapping masa (corn dough) around various fillings and steaming them in corn husks. The dish reflects the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, showcasing regional variations in fillings and preparation methods.

Ingredients

  • masa harina
  • water
  • salt
  • filling (meat, cheese, or vegetables)
  • corn husks
  • baking powder

Instructions

  1. 1Soak corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes.
  2. 2In a bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  3. 3Gradually add water to the dry mixture until a dough forms.
  4. 4Spread a portion of the dough onto a soaked corn husk.
  5. 5Add your choice of filling in the center of the dough.
  6. 6Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and then fold the bottom up.
  7. 7Place the tamales upright in a steamer pot.
  8. 8Steam for about 1 to 1.5 hours, adding water as needed.
  9. 9Check for doneness; the masa should be firm and pull away from the husk easily.
  10. 10Let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

masa harina

Healthier: whole grain masa harina

Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole grain masa harina offers more fiber and nutrients, while cornmeal is often less expensive.

filling (meat, cheese, or vegetables)

Healthier: lean turkey or beans

Cheaper: pork

Lean turkey is lower in fat, while pork can be a more budget-friendly option.

Techniques

steamingmixingfolding

Equipment

steamer potmixing bowlmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumcorn

Also Known As

TamalTamales Mexicanos

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (or any filling of choice)
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 20-25 corn husks (soaked in warm water)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt together.
  2. 2In another bowl, beat the vegetable shortening until fluffy.
  3. 3Gradually add the masa harina mixture to the shortening, alternating with the vegetable broth, until a soft dough forms.
  4. 4Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center of the husk, leaving space at the edges.
  5. 5Add a spoonful of the shredded chicken and a bit of salsa verde on top of the masa.
  6. 6Fold the sides of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to secure the tamale.
  7. 7Repeat with the remaining husks and filling.
  8. 8Place the tamales upright in a steamer basket, cover with a damp cloth, and steam for about 1 hour or until the masa is firm.
  9. 9Let the tamales cool slightly before serving with additional salsa verde.

Equipment

steamermixing bowlsspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup salsa verde
  • 12 corn husks, soaked in warm water

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  2. 2In another bowl, beat the vegetable shortening until fluffy.
  3. 3Gradually add the masa mixture to the shortening, alternating with chicken broth, until a soft dough forms.
  4. 4Stir in the shredded chicken and salsa verde until well combined.
  5. 5Take a soaked corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center.
  6. 6Fold the sides of the husk over the masa, then fold the bottom up to secure the tamale.
  7. 7Repeat with remaining husks and filling.
  8. 8Place the tamales upright in a steamer pot, cover with a damp cloth, and steam for about 1 hour or until the masa is firm.
  9. 9Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

steamer potmixing bowlsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Originating from Mexico, tamales are a traditional dish made from masa (corn dough) and filled with various ingredients. They are often prepared for celebrations and family gatherings, symbolizing community and togetherness. Fresh corn tamales, particularly popular in the summer when corn is in season, showcase the sweet and tender kernels, offering a delightful taste of Mexican heritage. Today, variations exist globally, with different fillings and flavors, but the essence of tamales remains a cherished culinary tradition.

Ingredients

  • fresh corn
  • masa harina
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • butter
  • milk
  • sugar
  • vanilla extract
  • corn husks

Instructions

  1. 1Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to soften.
  2. 2Grate fresh corn kernels from the cob into a bowl.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  4. 4In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
  5. 5Add grated corn, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; mix well.
  6. 6Combine the wet and dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
  7. 7Take a soaked corn husk and spread a spoonful of dough on it, leaving space at the edges.
  8. 8Fold the sides of the husk over the dough and then fold up the bottom.
  9. 9Repeat with remaining husks and dough.
  10. 10Place tamales upright in a steamer basket, filling the bottom with water.
  11. 11Cover with a wet cloth and steam for about 1 hour, until firm.
  12. 12Check water level occasionally and add more if needed.
  13. 13Let tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds richness with fewer calories.

milk

Healthier: almond milk

Cheaper: water

Almond milk reduces calories while keeping moisture.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds sweetness with a different flavor profile.

Techniques

mixingsteaming

Equipment

steamermixing bowlsgraterspatula
dairygluten

Also Known As

Tamales de EloteSweet Corn Tamales
veganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-free

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
  • banana leaves or parchment paper for wrapping

Instructions

  1. 1In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  2. 2In another bowl, mix the brewed coffee, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. 3Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
  4. 4If using, fold in the chopped nuts into the dough.
  5. 5Cut banana leaves or parchment paper into squares, about 6x6 inches.
  6. 6Place a spoonful of the tamal dough in the center of each square and fold the sides over to enclose the filling, then tie with kitchen twine or secure with a toothpick.
  7. 7Arrange the tamales upright in a steamer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
  8. 8Steam the tamales for about 45-60 minutes, or until the masa is firm and pulls away from the wrapping easily.
  9. 9Remove from the steamer and let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

steamermixing bowlsspatulakitchen twine or toothpicks

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