How to make tamales

lard

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable shortening

Olive oil provides a healthier fat option while maintaining moisture.

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while cornmeal can be more economical.

Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to soften.

In a large pot, cook pork with onion, garlic, and spices until tender, about 2 hours.

Remove pork, shred it, and reserve the cooking liquid.

Mix masa harina with baking powder, salt, and lard until crumbly.

Gradually add chicken broth and reserved cooking liquid to the masa mixture until smooth.

Spread masa mixture onto soaked corn husks, leaving space at the top and bottom.

Place shredded pork in the center of each masa spread.

Fold the sides of the husks over the filling and then fold up the bottom.

Steam tamales upright in a large pot for 1-1.5 hours, adding water as needed.

Check for doneness; masa should pull away from the husk easily.

Let tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: