Homemade Authentic Tamales Recipe – Healthy and Delicious
Master the art of making tamales at home with this authentic recipe. Follow our detailed guide for perfect tamales, including tips on masa preparation, filling options, and steaming techniques. Ideal for beginners!
Description
Tamales are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, loved for their rich flavors and cultural heritage. These delicious parcels are made from masa (corn dough) filled with savory or sweet ingredients, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed to perfection. Whether you're preparing them for a festive occasion or a special family meal, this detailed guide will walk you through each step of making authentic tamales at home. From preparing the masa to choosing the right fillings, you'll learn everything you need to create tamales that are sure to impress. Buy ready Tamales
Ingredient
- 4 cup masa harina (corn flour)
- 2.5 cup warm chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 lb pork shoulder or chicken thighs (cooked and shredded)
- 2 cup homemade or store-bought red chili sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
- 20-25 dried corn husks (soaked in warm water for at least 30 minutes)
- Kitchen twine
For the Masa
For the Filling (Traditional Pork or Chicken)
For Assembling
Instructions
- How to Make Authentic Tamales
- Prepare the Masa:
- Start by soaking the dried corn husks in warm water. They are flexible and simple to fold as a result.
- Masa harina, baking powder, and salt should all be combined in a big mixing dish.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the lard or vegetable shortening. Use a hand mixer or your hands to beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy.
- Gradually pour in the warm chicken broth or water, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms. The masa should have a spreadable consistency, similar to peanut butter. If it feels too dry, add more broth a tablespoon at a time. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a big skillet, warm up one tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Buy ready Tamales
- Add the shredded pork or chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Pour in the red chili sauce and ground cumin, mixing until the meat is fully coated. Simmer the filling for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. After adding salt to taste, turn off the heat.
- Assemble the Tamales:
- Lay out a soaked corn husk on a flat surface, with the wide end at the top.
- Spread a spoonful of masa in the center of the husk, creating a rectangle shape. Leave about an inch at the bottom of the husk free from masa.
- Place a dollop of the filling in the masa's middle.
- Fold the sides of the corn husk towards the center, covering the filling with masa. Then fold the bottom of the husk up, securing the tamale. If desired, tie the tamale with kitchen twine to keep it closed.
- Repeat the process with the remaining husks, masa, and filling until all tamales are assembled.
- Steam the Tamales:
- Fill the bottom of a big steamer pot with water to get it ready. Place a steamer basket or rack inside, making sure the water doesn’t touch the tamales.
- Stand the tamales upright in the steamer basket, with the open ends facing up.
- As soon as the water reaches a boil, place a lid on the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and steam the tamales for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the masa is firm and easily pulls away from the husk. Check the water level periodically, adding more if necessary to prevent it from boiling dry.
- Before serving, take the cooked tamales out of the steamer and allow them to cool somewhat.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the tamales warm, straight from the husks. Pair them with additional chili sauce, salsa, or your favorite Mexican sides like rice and beans.
- Tamales are also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top.
- Prepare the Masa:
Nutrition Facts
Servings 20
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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