Authentic Tamales Recipe: How to Make Tamales from Scratch
Why Tamales are Great
Tamales are a beloved Mexican dish that have been enjoyed for centuries. They are a staple of Mexican cuisine and are perfect for a festive dinner or special occasion. Tamales are made by steaming masa harina (corn dough) filled with meat or other ingredients, and wrapped in a corn husk. The result is a delicious, savory dish that is both filling and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 cups masa harina
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1.5 cups lard
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 lb cooked meat (pork or chicken)
- 1 cup red chili sauce
- 1 cup corn husks (soaked in water for at least 1 hour)
Instructions
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In a large bowl, mix together masa harina, chicken broth, lard, salt, baking powder, cumin, and chili powder until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked meat and red chili sauce until well coated.
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To assemble the tamales, take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa harina mixture onto the husk, leaving a border around the edges.
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Place a spoonful of the meat mixture onto the masa harina mixture.
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Fold the sides of the corn husk inwards and then fold the bottom upwards.
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Tie the tamale with a strip of corn husk to keep it together.
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Repeat the process until all of the masa harina mixture and meat mixture is used up.
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In a large pot, place a steamer basket and add enough water to reach the bottom of the basket.
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Place the tamales standing up in the steamer basket.
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Cover the pot with a lid and steam the tamales over medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the masa harina is cooked through and no longer sticky.
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Serve the tamales hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Vegetarian/Vegan Tamales
To make vegetarian tamales, simply replace the meat with your favorite vegetarian protein source, such as beans, tofu, or seitan. For vegan tamales, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the lard with vegetable shortening or coconut oil.
Sweet Tamales
If you prefer sweet tamales, simply omit the savory spices and meat, and replace them with sugar, cinnamon, and your favorite fruit or jam. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for a decadent dessert.
Conclusion
Tamales are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, meat or vegetarian, there’s a tamale recipe out there for you. So why not try making tamales from scratch and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills?
FAQ
What are tamales?
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa dough that is filled with various ingredients such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, and then wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
What ingredients do I need to make tamales?
To make tamales, you will need masa harina (corn flour), lard or vegetable shortening, chicken or vegetable broth, corn husks, and your choice of filling ingredients.
Can I make tamales without lard?
Yes, you can use vegetable shortening instead of lard to make tamales. You can also use coconut oil as a vegan alternative.
Can I make tamales in advance?
Yes, you can make tamales in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, simply steam them again until heated through.
How do I prepare the corn husks for tamales?
To prepare the corn husks for tamales, soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes or until they are pliable. Then, pat them dry before using.
How do I know when the tamales are done?
Tamales are done when the masa dough is cooked through and pulls away from the corn husk easily. This usually takes about 1-2 hours of steaming.
Can I use different fillings for tamales?
Yes, you can use a variety of fillings for tamales, such as shredded chicken, pork, beef, cheese, beans, or vegetables.
Can I freeze tamales?
Yes, you can freeze tamales for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container.
How do I reheat frozen tamales?
To reheat frozen tamales, steam them for 20-30 minutes or until heated through. Do not thaw them before steaming.
Can I make tamales without a steamer?
Yes, you can make tamales without a steamer by using a large pot with a steamer basket or a colander placed inside. Just make sure the water doesn’t touch the tamales while steaming.
