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AUTHENTIC Homemade Tamales: The BEST!

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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

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish with roots dating back to ancient Mesoamerican cultures. They are often made for celebrations and family gatherings, symbolizing community and shared heritage. Today, tamales are enjoyed year-round and have many regional variations, from sweet to savory, reflecting the diverse culinary landscape of Mexico.

Ingredients

  • masa harina
  • water
  • salt
  • baking powder
  • vegetable shortening
  • corn husks
  • chicken
  • green salsa
  • cheese
  • jalapeños
  • black beans
  • onion
  • garlic
  • cumin
  • coriander
  • lime juice

Instructions

  1. 1Soak corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes to soften.
  2. 2Mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, beat vegetable shortening until fluffy, then gradually add masa mixture.
  4. 4Add water gradually until a soft dough forms, mixing well.
  5. 5In another bowl, combine cooked chicken, green salsa, and spices to make the filling.
  6. 6Spread a portion of masa dough onto each soaked corn husk, leaving space at the edges.
  7. 7Place a spoonful of filling in the center of the masa on each husk.
  8. 8Fold the sides of the husk over the masa and secure the ends by folding up.
  9. 9Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket, adding water to the pot below.
  10. 10Cover the tamales with a damp cloth and steam for about 1-1.5 hours, checking water levels.
  11. 11Tamales are done when the masa separates easily from the husk, about 30 minutes before finishing.
  12. 12Let tamales rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

masa harina

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: cornmeal

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while cornmeal is often less expensive.

vegetable shortening

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: butter

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative while butter can be more affordable.

chicken

Healthier: tofu

Cheaper: pork

Tofu provides a plant-based option while pork is often less expensive.

green salsa

Healthier: homemade salsa

Cheaper: tomato sauce

Homemade salsa can be fresher and healthier, while tomato sauce is a budget-friendly substitute.

Techniques

mixingsteamingfolding

Equipment

steamermixing bowlswhiskspatulameasuring cupsladle
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Also Known As

Tamales CaserosTamales Mexicanos

Tamales have deep roots in Mesoamerican culture, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, who prepared them for celebrations and rituals. Traditionally, tamales are a communal dish, often made during family gatherings or holidays like Día de los Muertos. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, with countless regional variations and fillings, reflecting local ingredients and tastes.

Ingredients

  • masa harina
  • chicken
  • chicken broth
  • vegetable oil
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • corn husks
  • red chili sauce
  • onion
  • garlic
  • cumin
  • black pepper
  • cilantro
  • lime juice
  • cheese
  • sour cream

Instructions

  1. 1Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes to soften.
  2. 2Mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, beat vegetable oil until fluffy, then gradually add chicken broth.
  4. 4Combine wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.
  5. 5Add shredded chicken, onion, garlic, cumin, and black pepper to the dough and mix well.
  6. 6Spread a portion of the dough onto a soaked corn husk, leaving space at the edges.
  7. 7Add a spoonful of red chili sauce on top of the dough.
  8. 8Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and then fold up the bottom.
  9. 9Place tamales upright in a steamer basket, standing them on their folded ends.
  10. 10Steam for 1-1.5 hours, checking water level occasionally.
  11. 11Remove from steamer and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

masa harina

Healthier: whole wheat flour

Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber, while all-purpose flour is more accessible.

chicken

Healthier: turkey

Cheaper: shredded rotisserie chicken

Turkey is leaner, and rotisserie chicken saves time.

red chili sauce

Healthier: homemade salsa

Cheaper: canned tomato sauce with spices

Homemade salsa is fresher, while canned sauce is budget-friendly.

cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while processed cheese is often cheaper.

Techniques

mixingsteaming

Equipment

steamermixing bowlswhiskspatulameasuring cups
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumdairy

Also Known As

Tamales de Pollo

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with various ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed. They are often enjoyed during celebrations and holidays.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups masa harina
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked pork, shredded
  • 1/2 cup red chili sauce
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 24 corn husks, soaked in warm water

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt.
  2. 2In another bowl, beat lard or shortening until fluffy. Gradually add masa mixture, alternating with chicken broth, until a soft dough forms.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, combine shredded pork, red chili sauce, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  4. 4Take a soaked corn husk, spread about 1/4 cup of masa dough on the husk, leaving space at the edges.
  5. 5Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of the masa.
  6. 6Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up to secure the tamale.
  7. 7Repeat with remaining husks and filling.
  8. 8Place tamales upright in a steamer pot, cover with a damp cloth, and steam for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the masa pulls away from the husk easily.
  9. 9Let cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

steamer potmixing bowlsspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

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