20 Mexican Tamale Masa Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
When it comes to traditional Mexican cuisine, tamales are a staple dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. These delicious pockets of corn masa filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings have become a beloved dish not just in Mexico, but all over the world. In this article, we will dive into the world of tamale making and share with you a professional and well-organized recipe for making authentic Mexican tamale masa. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering dish!
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made with a corn-based dough called masa and filled with a variety of savory meats, vegetables, or cheese. One of the most popular fillings is beef, which adds a rich and flavorful element to the tamales. To make authentic beef tamales, start by marinating a cut of beef in a blend of spices and chiles. Then, cook the beef until it is tender and easily shredded. Finally, assemble the tamales by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding the beef filling. Steam the tamales until they are cooked through and serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
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Mexican Sweet Corn Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Masa, Water, Frozen Corn, Cornmeal
Mexican sweet corn cake, also known as pastel de elote, is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the sweetness of corn with the creaminess of condensed milk and the warmth of cinnamon. The cake is made by blending corn kernels with eggs, butter, and sugar, and then baking it until it is golden and slightly crispy on the edges. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that is perfect for serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a must-try for any lover of Mexican cuisine.
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Vegetarian Tamale Pie (Gluten-free) || Meatless Monday
Main Ingredients: Avocado, Medium Onion, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper
If you're looking for a delicious and hearty vegetarian option for Meatless Monday, look no further than this vegetarian tamale pie. Made with a gluten-free cornbread crust and filled with a flavorful mix of vegetables, beans, and spices, this tamale pie is a filling and nutritious meal that is sure to satisfy. The best part? It's easy to make and can be customized with your favorite veggies and toppings. Serve it with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Mexican Chipotle Pizza
Main Ingredients: Masa, Warm Water, Kosher Salt, Corn Kernels, Black
Put a Mexican twist on a classic favorite with this delicious and spicy Mexican chipotle pizza. Instead of traditional marinara sauce, this pizza is topped with a smoky and flavorful chipotle sauce that adds a kick of heat to every bite. For toppings, you can use a mix of your favorite Mexican ingredients like chorizo, black beans, corn, and avocado. Add a sprinkle of cotija cheese before baking and finish it off with a drizzle of crema or hot sauce. This pizza is perfect for a fun and unique weeknight dinner.
Atole is a traditional Mexican drink made with corn masa, milk, and spices. It's warm, creamy, and comforting, making it the perfect beverage for chilly evenings. To make Mexican atole, start by cooking the masa with water until it thickens. Then, add in milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract for flavor. You can also add in other ingredients like chocolate, fruit, or nuts for a unique twist. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a delicious and authentic Mexican treat.
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Mole & Guacamole Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Dried Ancho Chiles, Pasilla Chiles, Butter, Onion
Take your enchiladas to the next level with this delicious and flavorful twist on a classic dish. Instead of traditional enchilada sauce, these enchiladas are topped with a rich and complex mole sauce made with a variety of spices, chiles, and chocolate. The guacamole adds a creamy and fresh element to the dish, making it a perfect balance of flavors. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Make Your Own Red Chile and Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: New Mexico Red Chile, Water, Flour, Garlic, Salt, Pork
Why settle for store-bought tamales when you can make your own at home? These red chile and pork tamales are a labor of love, but the end result is worth it. The red chile sauce is made with dried chiles, spices, and broth, and the pork filling is slow-cooked until it is tender and flavorful. Assemble the tamales by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding the pork and chile sauce. Steam them until they are cooked through and serve with your favorite toppings.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
These amazing beef Mexican tamales are a crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion. The beef is marinated in a blend of spices and chiles, and then slow-cooked until it is tender and juicy. The tamales are assembled by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding the beef filling. Steam them until they are cooked through and serve with a side of rice, beans, and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. They're sure to be a hit at your next 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 delicious tamales, these easy Mexican pork tamales are the perfect solution. The pork filling is made with pre-cooked shredded pork, which cuts down on cooking time. The tamales are assembled by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding the pork filling. Steam them until they are cooked through and serve with your favorite toppings for a quick and delicious meal.
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Mexican Style Chicken Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Onion, Jalapeno Peppers, Garlic
Put a Mexican twist on a classic Italian dish with this delicious and unique Mexican-style chicken parmesan. The chicken is breaded and fried until crispy, and then topped with a smoky and flavorful chipotle sauce and melted cheese. Serve it with a side of pasta or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. It's a fun and creative way to switch up your dinner routine.
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Mexican Pork Stew (Puerco en Salsa Roja)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Pork, Herdez Salsa Casera, Masa, Warm
This Mexican pork stew, also known as puerco en salsa roja, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder weather. The pork is slow-cooked in a rich and spicy red chile sauce until it is tender and falls apart. Serve it with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal. Don't forget to top it off with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
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Authentic Tacos with Homemade Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Ground Cumin, Chili
Forget store-bought tortillas, nothing beats homemade corn tortillas when it comes to making authentic tacos. To make the tortillas, mix masa harina with water and let it rest before rolling it out and cooking it on a hot griddle. Fill your tortillas with your favorite taco filling, like carne asada, chicken, or fish, and top them off with fresh ingredients like cilantro, onion, and lime. These tacos are simple, yet full of flavor and perfect for any taco night.
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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 delicious tamales in a fraction of the time it would take to make them traditionally. The Instant Pot cooks the tamales in a fraction of the time, but they still come out moist and flavorful. Fill the tamales with your favorite filling, like shredded chicken or pork, and add a few tablespoons of water to the Instant Pot before cooking. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you're craving authentic tamales.
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Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin, Pasilla, Cooking Oil, Water, Salt
Tamales are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings and flavors. From savory meats to spicy vegetables to sweet fruits, the possibilities are endless. The key to a great tamale is the masa dough, which should be fluffy and flavorful. Once you have the dough down, you can experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique tamales.
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Pollo Verde Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
Pollo verde tamales are a delicious and unique twist on traditional tamales. The chicken filling is made with a blend of tomatillos, chiles, and spices, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. Assemble the tamales by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding the chicken filling. Steam them until they are cooked through and serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
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Tamal Dough (Masa para Tamales)
Main Ingredients: Lard, Baking Powder, Salt, Masa, Broth, Red Chile Sauce
The key to delicious tamales is the masa dough, which should be light, fluffy, and full of flavor. To make tamal dough, you'll need masa harina, water, salt, and a little bit of fat. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and pliable dough, and then use it to make your tamales. You can also add in other ingredients like spices or cheese to customize the dough to your liking.
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Homemade Corn Tortillas
Main Ingredients: Masa, Warm Water
Homemade corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are surprisingly easy to make. All you need is masa harina, water, and a little bit of salt. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough and then roll it out into tortillas. Cook them on a hot griddle for a few minutes on each side until they are slightly crispy. These tortillas are perfect for filling with your favorite taco ingredients or for serving alongside your favorite Mexican dishes.
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Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Roast, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Dried
Tamale pie is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of tamales with the convenience of a casserole. The base is made with a layer of cornbread, and then topped with a flavorful mix of meat, beans, and spices. Bake it until the cornbread is golden and crispy, and then serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, and cheese. It's a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will love.
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Simple, Hearty White Chili
Main Ingredients: Fryer Chicken, Medium Onion, Garlic, Green Chilies
Forget traditional chili, this simple and hearty white chili is a delicious and satisfying alternative. Made with tender chunks of chicken, white beans, and a flavorful broth, this chili is perfect for cold nights or as a game day dish. Serve it with a side of tortilla chips or cornbread for a complete meal. It's a great option for those who prefer a milder and less spicy chili.
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Beef Tamales, or Tamales de Res
Main Ingredients: Chile, Oil, Beef Shoulder Roast, Salt, Pepper, Beef
Beef tamales, also known as tamales de res, are a popular variation of traditional tamales. The beef is marinated in a blend of spices and chiles, and then slow-cooked until it is tender and flavorful. Assemble the tamales by spreading the masa dough onto corn husks and adding the beef filling. Steam them until they are cooked through and serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. They're a hearty and delicious option for any occasion.
Understanding Masa
What is Masa?
To begin our journey into making the perfect tamale masa, it's important to understand what masa is. Masa is a corn-based dough that is the foundation of many Mexican dishes, including tamales. It is made from dried corn kernels that have been cooked in an alkaline solution, which helps to soften the corn and release its natural flavors.
The Importance of Quality Masa
The key to making delicious tamales lies in the quality of your masa. Using fresh and high-quality masa is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Many traditional Mexican families make their own masa from scratch, but if you don't have access to fresh masa, you can also find masa harina (dried masa flour) at most grocery stores.
The Right Ratio
The ratio of ingredients in your masa is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Too much liquid can result in a thin and runny masa, while too little can make it dry and crumbly. The ideal ratio for tamale masa is 2 parts masa harina to 1 part liquid. This will give you a smooth and pliable dough that is easy to work with.
Making the Masa
The Ingredients
To make the perfect tamale masa, you will need:
2 cups masa harina
1 cup warm water or broth
½ cup lard or vegetable shortening
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
The Process
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or vegetable shortening until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the masa mixture to the beaten lard, and mix until well combined.
4. Slowly add the warm water or broth to the masa mixture, stirring continuously until you have a smooth and pliable dough.
5. Your masa is now ready to use for making tamales!
In Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of masa and how to make it, you can confidently tackle the task of making authentic Mexican tamales. Remember to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, and follow the 2:1 ratio for the perfect texture. With this tamale masa recipe, you'll be able to impress your loved ones with delicious and authentic tamales that will transport them straight to Mexico. ¡Buen provecho!
