17 Mexican Tamales Masa Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Tamales are a staple in Mexican cuisine, with a rich history and a variety of regional variations. These delicious little bundles of corn dough, filled with a variety of savory or sweet fillings, are traditionally steamed in corn husks or banana leaves. While the filling may vary, the key to making authentic tamales lies in the Mexican tamales masa recipe. This essential component gives tamales their distinct flavor and texture, making them a beloved dish in Mexican households and beyond.
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Onion, Garlic, Salt, Peppercorns, Dried Ancho
If you're looking to add a Mexican-inspired touch to your beer can chicken, try these authentic beef tamales. With a flavorful spice rub and a hint of tequila, these tamales are a delicious and unique twist on the classic dish.
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Tamales
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Loin, Pasilla, Cooking Oil, Water, Salt
For a more traditional take on beer can chicken, try this recipe for Tamales. With a simple but flavorful marinade, these chicken thighs are packed with flavor and are perfect for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue.
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Easy Mexican Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Butt, Garlic Cloves, Salt, Water, Meat, Enchilada
This recipe for Easy Mexican Pork Tamales is a great option for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of traditional tamales. With a quick and easy spice rub and a hint of lime juice, these tamales are a delicious and convenient option for any occasion.
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Amazing Beef Mexican Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Sliced Olives, Beef Chuck Roast, Garlic
If you're a fan of beef tamales, this recipe is a must-try. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth before being shredded and mixed with a delicious spice rub. These tamales are sure to be a hit with any crowd.
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Make Your Own Red Chile and Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: New Mexico Red Chile, Water, Flour, Garlic, Salt, Pork
This recipe for Red Chile and Pork Tamales is a great option for those who prefer a spicier kick to their tamales. The combination of the red chile and pork creates a delicious and rich flavor that is sure to please.
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Beef Tamales, or Tamales de Res
Main Ingredients: Chile, Oil, Beef Shoulder Roast, Salt, Pepper, Beef
For a heartier take on tamales, try this recipe for Beef Tamales, or Tamales de Res. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth before being mixed with a delicious spice rub and stuffed into corn husks. These tamales are a perfect winter dish.
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Pollo Verde Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken Parts, Tomatillos, White Onion
This recipe for Pollo Verde Tamales is a great option for those who prefer a lighter and fresher take on tamales. The chicken is marinated in a zesty green salsa before being stuffed into corn husks and steamed to perfection.
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Tamales ~ Mexican Instant Pot {Pressure Cooker}
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Chicken, Chile, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Masa
Short on time? This recipe for Tamales cooked in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker is the perfect solution. With a flavorful spice rub and a quick cooking time, these tamales are a great option for busy weeknights.
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Sweet Raisin Tamales (Tamales Dulces)
Main Ingredients: Water, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Piloncillo, Lard, Baking
If you have a sweet tooth, these Sweet Raisin Tamales are a must-try. The combination of raisins and cinnamon creates a delicious and unique flavor that is perfect for a dessert or a special treat.
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Tamal Dough (Masa para Tamales)
Main Ingredients: Lard, Baking Powder, Salt, Masa, Broth, Red Chile Sauce
Looking to make your own tamales from scratch? This recipe for Tamal Dough is a great place to start. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and versatile dough that can be used for a variety of tamales.
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Northern Style Bean Tamales (Tamales de Frijol...
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Ancho Chiles, Water, Garlic Cloves, Ground
This recipe for Northern Style Bean Tamales is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meat-free alternative. The beans are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth before being mixed with a spice rub and stuffed into corn husks.
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Cheese with Roasted Chile Tamales (Tamales de Rajas...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chiles, Garlic Powder
For a cheesy and spicy twist on traditional tamales, try this recipe for Cheese with Roasted Chile Tamales. The combination of cheese and roasted chiles creates a delicious and flavorful filling that is sure to be a hit.
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Chicken Tamales
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Boneless Chicken Breasts, Celery, Onion
For a classic and no-fuss recipe, try these simple Chicken Tamales. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful spice rub before being stuffed into corn husks and cooked to perfection.
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Mexican Sweet Corn Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Masa, Water, Frozen Corn, Cornmeal
No meal is complete without a delicious side dish, and this Mexican Sweet Corn Cake is the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe. With a sweet and savory flavor, this corn cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Turkey Pibil Tamales
Main Ingredients: Guajillo Chiles, Water, Orange Juice, Lime Juice
If you're looking for a unique twist on tamales, try this recipe for Turkey Pibil Tamales. The turkey is marinated in a flavorful sauce before being stuffed into corn husks and cooked to perfection.
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Oil Free Vegan Tamales
Main Ingredients: Dried Corn Husks, Red Chile Sauce, Sweet Potato, Black
For a healthier option, try these Oil Free Vegan Tamales. The combination of vegetables and spices creates a delicious and nutritious filling that is perfect for anyone following a vegan diet.
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Pork & Green Chile Tamales
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Canola Oil, Yellow
In this recipe for Pork & Green Chile Tamales, the pork is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth before being mixed with a spicy green chile sauce. The result is a delicious and unique twist on traditional tamales.
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Homemade Tamales – Carnita
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Shoulder, Salt, Onions, Garlic Cloves
This recipe for Homemade Tamales with Carnitas is a great option for anyone looking to make their own tamales from scratch. The slow-cooked carnitas add a delicious and savory flavor to these tamales.
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Homemade Pork Tamales
Main Ingredients: Dried Corn Husks, Dried Ancho Chiles, Garlic Cloves
For a classic and traditional take on tamales, try this recipe for Homemade Pork Tamales. The pork is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth before being mixed with a delicious spice rub and stuffed into corn husks.
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Red Chile Chicken Tamales
Main Ingredients: Corn Husks, Tamales, Masa, Masa Harina, Salt, Canola
For a spicy and flavorful twist on traditional tamales, try this recipe for Red Chile Chicken Tamales. The chicken is marinated in a zesty red chile sauce before being stuffed into corn husks and steamed to perfection.
Preparing the Masa
To make the perfect masa for tamales, you will need a few key ingredients – masa harina, or corn flour, lard or vegetable shortening, chicken broth, and salt. While some recipes call for the use of fresh masa, masa harina is a more accessible and convenient option for most home cooks. Begin by mixing the masa harina with warm chicken broth to form a smooth, slightly sticky dough. In a separate bowl, beat the lard or shortening with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the masa dough into the lard, beating until well combined. Finally, add salt to taste and continue to beat until the masa reaches a light and airy consistency.
Making Variations
While the traditional masa recipe calls for lard, you can also use vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option or even butter for a richer flavor. You can also add spices such as cumin, chili powder, or paprika to the masa for an extra kick of flavor. For a sweeter tamale, you can add a touch of sugar to the masa dough. Another option is to add a bit of chicken or beef broth to the dough for a more savory flavor.
Tips for Perfect Masa
To ensure your masa has the right texture, it's essential to use warm broth and beat the lard or shortening until it's light and fluffy. This will help the masa rise and create a light and airy consistency. It's also crucial to test the masa for the right amount of salt, as this can greatly affect the overall flavor of the tamales.
Conclusion
The key to making authentic Mexican tamales lies in the masa. With this traditional recipe, you can create the perfect base for any type of tamale filling. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, vegetarian or meat-filled, a well-made masa will elevate your tamales to new heights of deliciousness. So next time you're craving tamales, don't forget about the importance of a good Mexican tamales masa recipe.
