19 I Am New Mexico Tamale Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Apr 13, 2024
Welcome to the world of New Mexican cuisine, where the flavors are bold and the dishes are steeped in tradition. Among the many beloved dishes in this vibrant cuisine, one in particular holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike: the New Mexico tamale. These savory bundles of corn masa, filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, are a staple in homes and restaurants across the state. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the history and preparation of this iconic dish, and give you all the tips and tricks you need to create your own mouthwatering New Mexico tamale recipe.
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Lard, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All
Sopapillas are a classic Southwestern treat that originated in New Mexico. These delicious fried pastries are often served as a dessert, but they can also be enjoyed as a savory side dish. The dough is made with flour, baking powder, salt, and water, and then it is deep-fried until golden brown and puffy. Sopapillas are typically served with honey or chocolate sauce for dipping.
New Mexico red chile is a staple ingredient in many traditional New Mexican dishes. This flavorful sauce is made by simmering dried red chile peppers with garlic, cumin, oregano, and other spices. The result is a rich, earthy sauce that can be used to marinate meats, spice up soups and stews, or as a dipping sauce for chips.
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New Mexico Carne Adovada
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Dried New Mexican Chiles, Chicken Stock
Carne adovada is a popular dish in New Mexico that features chunks of tender pork marinated in a fiery red chile sauce. The pork is typically slow-cooked until it is fall-apart tender and then served with rice, beans, and tortillas. Carne adovada is a spicy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hearty meal.
Biscochitos are a classic New Mexican cookie that is often enjoyed during the holiday season. These buttery cookies are flavored with anise and cinnamon and then sprinkled with sugar. Biscochitos are a beloved treat in New Mexico and are often served with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Green chile stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular in New Mexico. This stew is made with chunks of pork, potatoes, and green chile peppers, and is often served with a side of warm tortillas. The spicy and flavorful broth is perfect for warming up on a cold day.
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Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Jalapeno
Tamale pie is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole that combines the flavors of traditional tamales with the convenience of a pie. The base is made with a layer of cornbread, which is then topped with a mixture of ground beef, corn, and red chile sauce. This tasty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
New Mexico beef chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a chilly night. This chili is made with chunks of beef, beans, and a rich red chile sauce. The spicy and meaty flavors are sure to satisfy your cravings and warm you up from the inside out.
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Carne Adovada (New Mexico Red Chile Pork Stew)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork Butt, Onions, Garlic, Fine Sea
Carne adovada, or red chile pork stew, is a traditional New Mexican dish that is packed with flavor. This stew features tender chunks of pork that are marinated in a spicy red chile sauce and then slow-cooked until it is fall-apart tender. Serve this savory stew with warm tortillas and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
New Mexico chili is a classic dish that is loved by many. This hearty stew is made with chunks of beef, beans, and a fiery red chile sauce. The flavors are rich and complex, making it the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day. Don't forget to top it off with some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a truly satisfying meal.
New Mexico red chile sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes. This sauce is made by simmering dried red chile peppers with garlic, cumin, and other spices until it becomes a thick and rich sauce. Use it to marinate meats, spice up soups and stews, or as a dipping sauce for chips.
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Traditional New Mexico Guacamole
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Garlic, Lemon Juiced, Tomato, Ground Cumin
Guacamole is a beloved dip that is enjoyed all over the world, but in New Mexico, they have their own version that is truly special. Traditional New Mexico guacamole is made with avocados, tomatoes, onions, and New Mexico green chile peppers. The result is a creamy and spicy dip that is perfect for snacking on with tortilla chips.
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Chile New Mexico Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Breast, Dried Chile, Garlic, Lime
Chile New Mexico chicken is a flavorful and delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. This dish features tender chicken breasts that are marinated in a spicy red chile sauce and then baked until golden brown. Serve it with rice, beans, and a side of warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.
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New Mexico Pork and Green Chile Posole
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Bacon Drippings
Posole is a traditional Mexican soup that is popular in New Mexico as well. This version of the soup features chunks of pork, hominy, and New Mexico green chile peppers for a spicy and flavorful twist. This soup is perfect for a cold day and is often topped with shredded cabbage, radishes, and lime juice.
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Easy Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Medium Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This easy tamale pie is a quick and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The base is made with a layer of cornbread, which is then topped with a mixture of ground beef, beans, and a fiery red chile sauce. Bake it until the cornbread is golden brown and enjoy the delicious flavors of a tamale in a convenient pie form.
Red chile posole is a traditional New Mexican dish that is packed with flavor and heat. This soup is made with hominy, chunks of pork, and a rich red chile sauce. It is often topped with shredded cabbage, radishes, and lime juice for a refreshing and spicy finish.
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New Mexico Red Chile Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Cooking Oil, Finely Chopped Onions
If you love enchiladas, then you will love this New Mexico red chile enchilada casserole. This dish features layers of corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and a fiery red chile sauce, all baked together until ooey-gooey and delicious. Serve it with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
This New Mexico green chili stew is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly night. The stew is made with chunks of beef, potatoes, and New Mexico green chile peppers, giving it a spicy and unique flavor. Serve it with a side of warm tortillas and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
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New Mexico Style Calabacitas (Sauteed Zucchini)
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Squash, Sweet Corn, Salt, Black Pepper, Green
Calabacitas, or sautéed zucchini, is a popular side dish in New Mexico. This dish features zucchini sautéed with corn, onions, and New Mexico green chile peppers for a spicy and flavorful twist. Serve it as a side dish or add it to tacos or burritos for a tasty and healthy addition.
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Anthony Bourdain's New Mexico Beef Chili
Main Ingredients: Poblano Peppers, Hatch Chili Peppers, All Purpose
This New Mexico beef chili recipe was inspired by the late, great chef Anthony Bourdain. It features chunks of beef, beans, and a fiery red chile sauce for a bold and flavorful dish. Serve it with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese and sour cream, for a truly satisfying meal.
Huevos rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast dish that is popular in New Mexico as well. This version features tortillas, beans, and fried eggs, all topped with a spicy New Mexico red chile sauce. Add some avocado and salsa on top for a delicious and healthy start to your day.
The Origins of the New Mexico Tamale
The tamale has been a beloved staple in the diets of indigenous peoples in Mexico and Central America for centuries. As Spanish conquistadors made their way into what is now New Mexico in the 16th century, they brought with them the tradition of the tamale. However, the dish quickly evolved to incorporate local ingredients and flavors, giving birth to what we now know as the New Mexico tamale.
The Key Ingredients
The foundation of any great tamale is the masa, a dough made from ground corn and often lard or vegetable shortening. In New Mexico, the masa is often flavored with red or green chile, giving the tamale its signature spicy kick. The filling can vary, but popular choices include pork, chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options like beans and cheese. The tamale is then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
The Art of Assembling Tamales
While the ingredients may seem simple, the process of making tamales can be quite time-consuming and requires attention to detail. The masa must be spread evenly onto the corn husk, leaving enough room for the filling and for folding and tying the tamale. The filling should be evenly distributed and not overfilled to prevent the tamale from bursting during cooking. Once assembled, the tamales are steamed for about an hour, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish that is well worth the effort.
Now that you have a better understanding of the history and components of the New Mexico tamale, it's time to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making this delicious dish yourself. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll be able to recreate the authentic flavors of this beloved New Mexican tradition in your own kitchen. So gather your family and friends, and get ready to enjoy a taste of New Mexico with your homemade tamales.
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