19 Authentic Mexican Masa Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!
Published on: Apr 3, 2024
Masa, a staple in Mexican cuisine, is a versatile dough made from corn or maize that has been soaked in an alkaline solution. This dough is the foundation for many traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales, tortillas, and gorditas. While store-bought masa can be convenient, there is nothing quite like making your own from scratch. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic Mexican masa at home.
Mexican Masa Ball Soup (Corn Dumplings in Chicken Soup)
Main Ingredients: Masa, Olive Oil, Seltzer Water, Eggs, Kosher Salt
This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for those chilly nights. The masa balls add a unique texture and flavor to the classic chicken soup. And the best part? It's easy to make and can be on the table in under an hour.
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Tamal Dough (Masa para Tamales)
Main Ingredients: Lard, Baking Powder, Salt, Masa, Broth, Red Chile Sauce
No Mexican feast is complete without tamales. And this tamal dough recipe will ensure that your tamales are perfectly soft and flavorful. Use it to make your favorite tamales, whether they're filled with chicken, pork, or beans.
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Authentic Beef Tamales
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
Speaking of tamales, here's a recipe for authentic beef tamales that will impress your family and friends. The tender beef is cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, then wrapped in corn masa dough and steamed to perfection.
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Mexican Sweet Corn Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Masa, Water, Frozen Corn, Cornmeal
This sweet corn cake is a staple in many Mexican households. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and can be served as a side dish or even as a dessert. The masa dough gives it a unique texture that will keep you coming back for more.
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Mexican Chipotle Pizza
Main Ingredients: Masa, Warm Water, Kosher Salt, Corn Kernels, Black
Looking for a fun and creative way to use masa dough? How about making a Mexican-inspired pizza? This recipe uses a combination of masa dough and regular pizza dough, and is topped with chipotle sauce, veggies, and cheese for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
Atole is a warm and comforting drink made with masa dough, milk, and spices. It's often enjoyed during the winter months, but can be enjoyed year-round. This recipe adds a chocolate twist to the traditional atole for a decadent treat.
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Mole & Guacamole Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Dried Ancho Chiles, Pasilla Chiles, Butter, Onion
Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish, and this recipe takes them to the next level. The homemade mole sauce and guacamole add a burst of flavor to these cheesy enchiladas, and the masa dough helps hold everything together.
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Make Your Own Red Chile and Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: New Mexico Red Chile, Water, Flour, Garlic, Salt, Pork
Ready to take on the challenge of making your own tamales from scratch? This recipe will guide you through the process, from making the red chile sauce to preparing the masa dough and assembling the tamales. The end result is worth the effort, we promise.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
Here's another delicious beef tamale recipe that you won't be able to resist. The beef is marinated in a flavorful sauce and then wrapped in masa dough and steamed to perfection. These tamales are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Easy Mexican Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Garlic Cloves, Salt, Water, Meat, Enchilada
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy some delicious tamales, this recipe is for you. It uses pre-made masa dough and canned pork to make the process quick and easy. And the end result is just as tasty as traditional tamales.
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Mexican Style Chicken Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Onion, Jalapeno Peppers, Garlic
Who says chicken parmesan has to be Italian? This Mexican twist on the classic dish uses a crispy masa coating instead of breadcrumbs, and is served with a tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese. It's a unique and delicious take on a beloved dish.
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Mexican Pork Stew (Puerco en Salsa Roja)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork, Herdez Salsa Casera, Masa, Warm
This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for those cold winter nights. The pork is slow-cooked in a rich and spicy red sauce made with dried chiles, and the masa dough is used to thicken the stew and add a unique texture.
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Authentic Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Ground Cumin, Chili
Forget the store-bought tortillas, and try making your own at home with masa dough. These tacos are filled with a flavorful beef filling and topped with all your favorite toppings. The homemade tortillas take them to the next level.
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Tamales ~ Mexican Instant Pot {Pressure Cooker}
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken, Chile, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Masa
If you have an Instant Pot, you can make tamales in a fraction of the time. This recipe walks you through the process of making tamales using an Instant Pot, so you can enjoy this traditional dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin, Pasilla, Cooking Oil, Water, Salt
Here's a classic tamale recipe that never disappoints. The masa dough is made with lard for a rich and authentic flavor, and the filling can be customized to your liking. Serve with your favorite toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Pollo Verde Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
If you love green chile sauce, then you'll love these pollo verde tamales. The chicken is cooked in a spicy green sauce, then wrapped in masa dough and steamed to perfection. Serve with some extra sauce and toppings for a tasty meal.
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Homemade Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Masa, Warm Water
Once you try making your own corn tortillas with masa dough, you'll never go back to store-bought. This recipe uses just three simple ingredients and results in the most delicious and authentic corn tortillas you've ever tasted.
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Simple, Hearty White Chili
Main Ingredients: Fryer Chicken, Medium Onion, Garlic, Green Chilies
This white chili recipe is perfect for those days when you want something warm and comforting but don't feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The masa dough is used to thicken the chili and add a unique flavor and texture.
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Masa For Tamales Using Masa Quebrada
Main Ingredients: Masa, Pork Lard, Baking Powder, Salt, Chicken Broth
Have some leftover masa dough? Use it to make these delicious tamales with masa quebrada, or broken masa. It's a traditional way of making tamales and results in a unique and tasty twist on the classic dish.
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Beef Tamales, or Tamales de Res
Main Ingredients: Chile, Oil, Beef Shoulder Roast, Salt, Pepper, Beef
Last but not least, we have another delicious beef tamale recipe. The beef is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce, then wrapped in masa dough and steamed to perfection. Make a big batch and freeze them for an easy and tasty meal anytime.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
Maseca corn flour
Water
Lime juice
Salt
Equipment:
Mixing bowl
Tortilla press
Parchment paper or plastic wrap
Cast iron skillet or comal
The Process
Step 1: Soaking the Corn Flour
The first step in making authentic Mexican masa is to soak the corn flour in an alkaline solution, also known as nixtamalization. This process helps to soften the corn and make it more digestible. To do this, mix 2 cups of corn flour with 1 ½ cups of water and 1 tablespoon of lime juice in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for a stronger flavor.
Step 2: Kneading the Dough
After the corn flour has soaked, it's time to knead the dough. The consistency should be similar to Play-Doh, slightly sticky but not too wet. If the dough is too dry, add a little bit of water at a time. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Step 3: Forming the Masa
Once the dough is properly kneaded, it's time to form it into the desired shape. For tortillas, divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place a ball between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap and flatten it with a tortilla press. If you don't have a tortilla press, you can use a heavy skillet or rolling pin.
Step 4: Cooking the Masa
To cook the masa, heat a cast iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully transfer the flattened masa onto the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned and slightly puffed up. For tamales or gorditas, steam the masa instead of cooking it on a skillet.
Step 5: Enjoying Your Homemade Masa
Once the masa is cooked, use it to make your favorite Mexican dishes like tortillas, tamales, or gorditas. The homemade masa will have a distinct flavor and texture that can't be replicated with store-bought masa. Store any leftover masa in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
In conclusion, making your own authentic Mexican masa at home is a rewarding and delicious experience. Not only is it more flavorful than store-bought masa, but it's also a great way to connect with the traditional roots of Mexican cuisine. So next time you're craving some homemade tortillas or tamales, give this recipe a try and taste the difference for yourself.
Mexican Masa Ball Soup (Corn Dumplings in Chicken Soup)
