Christmas is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. While many people have their own holiday traditions, one dish that is often associated with Christmas in Mexican and Latin American households is tamales. These savory, corn-based treats are a labor of love, often made in large batches and shared with loved ones. In this article, we will share a Christmas tamales recipe that is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. From the flavorful filling to the perfectly steamed masa, we will guide you through the process of creating these festive and delicious tamales. So get your apron on and let's get cooking!
Christmas is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and indulge in delicious food. And what better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a mouthwatering beer can chicken recipe? The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful beer creates a dish that is sure to be a hit at any Christmas party.
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Ingredients and Tools You Will Need
Masa Dough
- 4 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 2 cups of warm water
- 1 cup of lard or vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
Filling
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, cut into small cubes
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of red chili sauce
Other Supplies
- 30-40 dried corn husks
- Large pot for steaming
- Kitchen twine or strips of corn husks for tying
- Large mixing bowl
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let's get started on making the perfect Christmas tamales.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Corn Husks
Before you can start assembling your tamales, you will need to prepare the corn husks. Soak them in warm water for about an hour until they are pliable. This will make them easier to work with.
2. Make the Filling
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the pork shoulder over medium heat until it is browned. Add in the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Season with cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Once the pork is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, add in the red chili sauce and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Masa Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, warm water, lard or vegetable shortening, salt, and baking powder. Mix together until the dough is smooth and pliable.
4. Assemble the Tamales
Take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of masa dough onto one side, leaving about an inch of space at the top and bottom. Add a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of the masa dough. Fold one side of the husk over the filling, then fold the bottom up, and finally the top down. Tie each end with kitchen twine or strips of corn husks to secure the tamale.
5. Steam the Tamales
Place the tamales in a steamer basket in a large pot with a few inches of water. Cover the pot and steam the tamales for about an hour or until the masa dough is firm and easily pulls away from the husk.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the tamales are fully steamed, remove them from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes. Unwrap and serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
With this Christmas tamales recipe, you can share a delicious and traditional dish with your loved ones during the holiday season. So gather your family and friends and enjoy these festive tamales together. Happy cooking and Feliz Navidad!
