For anyone craving a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine, tamales are a must-try dish. These savory, steamed corn husk-wrapped delicacies are a staple in Mexican households and are enjoyed all over the world. While there are countless variations of tamales, one popular and delicious option is Mexican cheese tamales. These tamales are filled with a flavorful combination of cheese, chilies, and spices, creating a mouth-watering treat that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own Mexican cheese tamales, step by step. So, get your apron on and let's get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Corn Flour, Mazola Corn Oil, Chicken Broth, Jalapeno
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Ingredients You Will Need
Gather all the necessary ingredients before starting to make your Mexican cheese tamales:
- 2 cups of masa harina (corn flour)
- 1 cup of vegetable shortening
- 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 8-ounce package of dried corn husks
- 1 cup of shredded Queso Fresco cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 poblano peppers, roasted and diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
Preparing the Masa Dough
To make the perfect masa dough for your tamales, mix the masa harina, shortening, broth, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. You can use a stand mixer or your hands to mix the ingredients until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more broth. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling
While the dough is resting, prepare the filling for your tamales. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded cheeses, diced poblano and jalapeno peppers, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. This combination of ingredients will give your tamales a flavorful and slightly spicy kick.
Assembling the Tamales
Now comes the fun part – assembling the tamales! Start by soaking the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will soften them and make them easier to work with. Then, take a soaked corn husk and spread a thin layer of the masa dough on it, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top and bottom. Next, add a spoonful of the cheese and pepper filling in the center of the dough. Roll the corn husk tightly, folding the sides in to create a sealed package. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used up.
Steaming the Tamales
To cook the tamales, you will need a steamer. If you don't have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a steamer basket or a rice cooker with a steaming function. Place the tamales in the steamer, standing them upright with the open ends facing up. Steam for about 1 hour, or until the dough is firm and pulls away from the husk easily.
Serving and Enjoying Your Mexican Cheese Tamales
Once the tamales are cooked, carefully remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, garnished with some extra cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These tamales are perfect as a main dish or as a snack, and they also freeze well for future meals. Now that you know how to make delicious Mexican cheese tamales, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills and enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional dish.