Sweet Steamed Corn Bread AKA Tamales de Elote

masa harina

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornmeal

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

cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories, while cottage cheese can provide a similar texture.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade broth is healthier, while water with seasoning is budget-friendly.

chile peppers

🥗Healthier: bell peppers

💰Cheaper: canned green chiles

Bell peppers are lower in heat, while canned chiles are often cheaper.

Soak corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

In a separate bowl, mix vegetable oil and vegetable broth until well combined.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Fold in the fresh sweet white corn and any desired spices or chopped vegetables.

Drain the corn husks and pat dry; lay one husk flat and spread a portion of the dough on it.

Add a spoonful of cheese and chopped chile peppers on top of the dough.

Fold the sides of the husk over the filling and then fold up the bottom to seal.

Repeat with remaining husks and filling.

Place tamales upright in a steamer pot, adding water to the bottom.

Cover the tamales with a damp cloth and steam for about 1-1.5 hours.

Check water level periodically to prevent burning.

Tamales are done when the masa easily separates from the husk.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary