Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from masa (corn dough) filled with meats, cheese, or vegetables, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. They are often prepared during holidays and family gatherings, bringing people together to enjoy the comforting flavors of this beloved dish.
1. Serving Quantity
Makes about 24 tamales
2. Cooking Time
Preparation: 1 hour
Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Ingredients
For the masa:
- 4 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/3 cups lard or vegetable shortening
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
For the filling (chicken version):
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups red or green chili sauce
For assembly:
- 24 dried corn husks, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
4. Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat lard with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Mix masa harina, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add masa mixture to the lard, alternating with broth, beating until dough is soft and spreadable.
- Mix chicken with chili sauce until well coated.
- Lay a softened corn husk on a flat surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of masa in the center, leaving room at the edges.
- Add a spoonful of filling, fold sides of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up.
- Repeat with remaining husks, masa, and filling.
- Arrange tamales upright in a steamer basket. Cover with extra husks and steam over simmering water for about 1 1/2 hours, adding water as needed.
- Tamales are ready when masa pulls away easily from the husk.
5. Nutrition (per tamale, approx.)
Calories: 240
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 11g
Fiber: 3g
6. Tips
- Use a stand mixer to make the masa dough lighter and fluffier.
- Try different fillings such as pork, beef, beans, cheese with peppers, or sweet tamales with raisins and cinnamon.
- Keep a damp towel over husks while working to prevent them from drying out.
- Leftover tamales can be frozen and reheated by steaming or lightly pan-frying.
Tamales are a celebration food—labor of love that pays off with every bite of tender masa and flavorful filling.
