Easy Tamales
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
480 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Easy Tamales
Description
Easy Tamales start by soaking dried corn husks until soft. The masa dough is prepared by mixing masa harina with salt, cumin, chili powder, and baking powder. The dough is lightened by beating in vegetable oil and chicken or vegetable stock until fluffy. This process creates a tender, steamed dough once cooked.
The filling consists of shredded meat such as pork or chicken, or meat alternatives like cheese or beans, mixed with enchilada sauce to add moisture and flavor. The assembly involves spreading masa dough onto a soaked husk, adding the filling in a central strip, and folding it into a parcel suitable for steaming.
Once steamed until the dough sets, the tamales are unwrapped and served warm with toppings such as guacamole, salsa, cilantro, or additional enchilada sauce. These tamales offer a versatile dish that can be adapted with various fillings and sauces to suit taste preferences.
A standard serving size is approximately three tamales, providing a filling portion. The soaking step is essential to prevent the husks from breaking during wrapping and steaming.
Ingredients
- 1 package corn husk dried
- 6 cups masa harina
- 2 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups filling (shredded pork or chicken, cheese, beans)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce mild or medium, your preference, red or green
- Toppings of choice (guacamole, enchilada sauce, hot sauce, salsa, cilantro)
Instructions
- Place the corn husks in a large bowl, fill with warm water and place a second bowl on top to weight the corn husks down so they are submerged in the water. Soak for 30 minutes.
Make the masa
- While the corn husks are soaking, in the bowl of a large stand mixer whisk together masa harina, salt, cumin, chili powder, and baking powder. Add the oil, beat on low until combined, then gradually incorporate the chicken/vegetable stock. Once incorporated, switch to medium-high speed and mix for 6-8 minutes until light and fluffy.
Assemble the tamales
- Combine your filling and enchilada sauce in a medium bowl and toss to combine.
- Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or a large cookie scoop to place one scoop of masa in the middle of a corn husk. Use wet fingers to pat masa into a large rectangle long enough to hold your filling. Scoop 1-2 tablespoons of filling into the center of the masa and spread with your fingertips to spread the filling into a line going down the center of the dough. Pull the two long sides of the corn husk up above the filling and pinch together to seal the dough over the filling. Fold the touching sides around the tamale, then fold up the narrow/pointed end of the corn husk and wrap with a long thin strip of a corn husk. Set aside and repeat.
Cook the tamales
- Fit your stockpot or pressure cooker with a steamer basket. Add 2 cups water to the bottom of the pot. Fill the steamer basket with tamales standing up on one end. Steam for 30 minutes on the stovetop or 20 minutes in your pressure cooker (high pressure) with natural release. Husks should easily peel away from the tamales when they're done. Serve immediately, or refrigerate or freeze for later use.
Notes
- Soak dried corn husks in warm water with weight on top for about 30 minutes to soften before wrapping tamales.
- A typical serving is about three tamales per person.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 480kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Sodium | 1437mg | 60% |
| Potassium | 223mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 688IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 124mg | 12% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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