How to Make Tamales

Tamale is a traditional Latin American dish, which is normally made from corn based dough. The ingredients are either boiled or steamed in a leaf wrapper. The leaf wrapping is discarded, after the tamales are cooked, or just before eating. There are different fillings, which are used. These often differ from one area to another. Some of the commonly used ingredients include different meats, corn, vegetables, cheese, chillies, different fruits, etc. It was one of the favorite Spanish foods, therefore when they made Mexico their home, this recipe came with them and went onto become a part of Mexican foods. However, you will be surprised to know, that there are variations of tamales, which are a part of the different cultures around the world. So, let us see tamales recipe from scratch. It is important to note that the list of ingredients is large, however, the end product is worth all the trouble. Having said that let's turn towards tamale recipe.

How to Make Mexican Tamales

Although different cultures have different recipes to make tamale, in this write up we will concentrate on Mexican tamale. If you want to make chicken tamales, then you will have to use chicken, as opposed to the other meats, mentioned in the recipe below. Not everyone has a steamer at home to steam tamale, in such a case a lot of people ask how to prepare tamales without a steamer. If you do not have a steamer, then you can make a steamer using two pots and steam tamale in it. Having said that we will now turn towards homemade tamale recipes.

Hot Tamales
If you happen to check food recipes for tamale, you will come across different ways in which the meat is cooked. There are some recipes, which recommend using meat chunks and frying them. However, most experts are of the opinion, that meat be cooked thoroughly, till it falls apart, to make tamale. The best is to let meat cook in a slow cooker along with water and some seasoning for as long as you can. A small trick, which can be used is, remember, more broth from the meat the better cooked the meat is. The broth should be separated from the meat and pureed, while the meat should be shredded finely, so that while making tamales, you are able to roll them up well. When you want to make tamale, do not forget to soak corn husk in water for about 2 to 3 hours, so that they soften. Drain excess water from it and lay them on the table.

Ingredients for Tamale Dough

• 2 lbs of masa flour
• 2 cups of corn oil
• 2 quarts of chicken/ pork broth pureed along with seasonings
• 3 tbsp of paprika
• 3 tbsp of chili powder
• 3 tbsp of garlic power
• 1 tbsp of cumin seeds
• 3 tbsp of salt

Ingredients for Tamale Filling

• 2 lbs slow cooked shredded beef
• 2 lbs shredded pork
• 2 lbs shredded chicken
• 1 cup of corn oil
• 8 tbsp of chili powder
• 2 tbsp of garlic powder
• 2 tbsp of ground cumin
• 1 tbsp of pepper
• 2 tbsp of salt

Method

• In a mixing bowl mix masa flour, paprika, salt, cumin seeds, chili powder and garlic powder thoroughly.
• Add corn oil to the dry mixture and knead the dough.
• It is time you add broth, about one cup at a time, till the dough reaches the consistency of peanut butter. If you run out of broth, a little hot water can also be used instead.
• Now, we will see the recipe to make the tamale filling.
• In a pan, heat oil and add all the spices and fry till you can smell the aroma.
• Then add meat to the mixture and combine well.
• On the softened and drained corn husk spread dough into a layer of medium thickness.
• If you want you can spread a sauce or salsa of your choice.
• Then spread meat on the dough and roll tamale from the filled side towards the empty side of the corn husk.
• Steam tamale for about one and half to two hours, ensuring they do not touch the water.

Sweet Tamale
One does not have to necessarily make hot tamale. You can also choose to serve tamale as a dessert. You will see that it has become a part of the American food now. Let's turn towards sweet tamale recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups rice flour
• 2 ¼ pounds fresh masa
• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 ½ cups butter
• red food coloring
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• ½ cup sweet cream
• 1 ½ cups water

Method

• Beat butter and sugar till it is light and fluffy.
• In a mixing bowl, mix rice flour along with masa.
• Add water and knead the dough.
• Now mix the dough with butter mixture and continue to beat the dough, till it is light and fluffy.
• After the dough is ready, it is time to make the filling. Mix cinnamon along with sugar raisins, almonds and sweet cream together. If you want you can add finely chopped fruits of your choice to it.
• Fill and wrap the tamales, as mentioned in the previous recipe, and steam them till they are cooked.

Now that you are armed with tamale recipe, you can do the basic preparation one day in advance and just steam them before you are going to eat them. Similarly, you can also make them in advance for a party.