Tamales are a beloved traditional dish in many Latin American countries, known for their delicious taste and the sense of togetherness that comes from making them with family and friends. These savory or sweet treats are made by filling masa (a dough made from corn) with various fillings, wrapping them in corn husks, and steaming them to perfection. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to make tamales, so you can enjoy this culinary delight in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Masa (Dough):
2 cups masa harina (corn flour for tamales)
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
1/2 cup vegetable oil or lard (room temperature)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin (optional, for added flavor)
For the Filling (Choose One):
Shredded cooked chicken with a red chili sauce
Pork with green chili sauce
Cheese and jalapeños (for vegetarian tamales)
Sweet fillings like cinnamon and sugar (for dessert tamales)
For Assembling:
Dried corn husks, soaked in warm water until pliable
Kitchen twine or strips of corn husk to tie the tamales
For Steaming:
A large steamer or a tamale steamer pot
Water for steaming
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Corn Husks
Start by soaking the dried corn husks in warm water for at least 30 minutes, or until they become pliable. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Choose your filling (chicken, pork, cheese, or sweet) and have it ready to go. If using meat fillings, make sure they are cooked and seasoned to your liking.
Step 3: Make the Masa Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, salt, and cumin (if using).
Gradually add the warm chicken or vegetable broth while mixing to form a smooth, thick dough.
Add the vegetable oil or lard and knead until the dough is well combined and slightly sticky. If it's too dry, you can add a little more broth.
Step 4: Assemble the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and shake off any excess water.
Place about 2 tablespoons of masa dough in the center of the husk.
Use a spatula or your fingers to spread the masa into a rectangle, leaving about an inch of space on one side.
Add a spoonful of your chosen filling on top of the masa.
Carefully fold one side of the corn husk over the filling, then fold the other side over to encase it.
Fold up the narrow, pointed end of the husk, and secure it with a strip of corn husk or kitchen twine.
Step 5: Steam the Tamales
In a large steamer or tamale steamer pot, add enough water to reach just below the steamer rack.
Arrange the tamales upright in the steamer, open end up, so they don't unroll during cooking.
Cover the tamales with a layer of extra corn husks and a clean kitchen towel to keep the steam in.
Place the lid on the steamer and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the tamales steam for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the masa is fully cooked and pulls away easily from the husks.
Check the water level periodically and add more hot water if necessary.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tamales are done, carefully remove them from the steamer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Tamales are typically served with salsa on the side, and you can garnish them with sour cream, cheese, or chopped cilantro if you like.
Tips and Variations:
Get Creative with Fillings: Tamales can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients, from roasted vegetables to seafood. Feel free to experiment with your favourite flavours.
Make a Large Batch: Tamales are often made in large quantities and shared with family and friends. You can freeze any extras for later enjoyment.
Add Spices: Customise the masa dough by adding spices like chili powder or garlic powder for extra flavour.
Sweet Tamales: To make dessert tamales, you can add sweet fillings like chocolate, fruit, or sweetened coconut to the masa.
Conclusion
Making tamales from scratch is a labor of love that brings people together and yields delicious results. Whether you're making savory tamales for a special occasion or sweet tamales for dessert, following these steps will help you create a culinary masterpiece that will be enjoyed by all. So gather your family and friends, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a tamales-making adventure that's both rewarding and mouthwatering.