Mexican tamales are a beloved traditional dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. These delicious parcels of corn dough filled with a variety of savory fillings and steamed to perfection have been a staple in Mexican culture for centuries. While the thought of making tamales from scratch may seem daunting, this easy recipe will have you whipping up a batch of homemade tamales in no time!
Ingredients
For the Masa Dough:
- Masa harina: 3 cups
- Vegetable shortening: 1 cup, at room temperature
- Chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
For the Filling:
- Shredded chicken: 2 cups
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Red chili flakes: 1 tsp
For the Assembly:
- Dried corn husks: 20-25
- Large pot: for steaming
- String or twine: for tying the tamales
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Masa Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine
masa harina, baking powder, salt, and chili powder.
2. Gradually add in
chicken broth and
vegetable shortening, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
3. The dough should be pliable and not too dry or sticky. If needed, add more chicken broth or masa harina to achieve the right consistency.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
1. In a separate bowl, mix together
shredded chicken, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.
2. Make sure the filling is well combined and seasoned to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Husks
1. Soak the
dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until they are pliable.
2. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Assemble the Tamales
1. Take a corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center of the husk, leaving about 1 inch from the bottom and sides.
2. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling on top of the dough.
3. Roll the husk to enclose the filling, making sure the dough completely covers the filling.
4. Fold the bottom of the husk up and tie both ends with
string or twine. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.
Step 5: Steam the Tamales
1. In a large pot, add about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place a steamer basket or a metal colander on top of the pot.
3. Arrange the tamales in the steamer basket, standing them upright with the tied end facing down.
4. Cover the pot and let the tamales steam for 1 ½ to 2 hours, making sure to check the water level periodically and adding more if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
1. Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Carefully remove the string or twine and unfold the husk.
3. Serve the tamales hot with your choice of toppings such as
salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
4. Enjoy your homemade Mexican tamales with family and friends!
Now that you have this easy and delicious
mexican tamales recipe in your arsenal, you can impress your loved ones with a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create these flavorful tamales at home. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and you'll see that making tamales doesn't have to be a daunting task after all.
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Mexican tamales are a beloved traditional dish that is enjoyed by many around the world. These delicious parcels of corn dough filled with a variety of savory fillings and steamed to perfection have been a staple in Mexican culture for centuries. While the thought of making tamales from scratch may seem daunting, this easy recipe will have you whipping up a batch of homemade tamales in no time!
Ingredients
For the Masa Dough:
- Masa harina: 3 cups
- Vegetable shortening: 1 cup, at room temperature
- Chicken broth: 2 ½ cups
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
For the Filling:
- Shredded chicken: 2 cups
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1 tsp
- Red chili flakes: 1 tsp
For the Assembly:
- Dried corn husks: 20-25
- Large pot: for steaming
- String or twine: for tying the tamales
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Masa Dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, salt, and chili powder.
2. Gradually add in chicken broth and vegetable shortening, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
3. The dough should be pliable and not too dry or sticky. If needed, add more chicken broth or masa harina to achieve the right consistency.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
1. In a separate bowl, mix together shredded chicken, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes.
2. Make sure the filling is well combined and seasoned to taste.
Step 3: Prepare the Corn Husks
1. Soak the dried corn husks in warm water for about 30 minutes until they are pliable.
2. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 4: Assemble the Tamales
1. Take a corn husk and spread about 2 tablespoons of the masa dough onto the center of the husk, leaving about 1 inch from the bottom and sides.
2. Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling on top of the dough.
3. Roll the husk to enclose the filling, making sure the dough completely covers the filling.
4. Fold the bottom of the husk up and tie both ends with string or twine. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used up.
Step 5: Steam the Tamales
1. In a large pot, add about 2 inches of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Place a steamer basket or a metal colander on top of the pot.
3. Arrange the tamales in the steamer basket, standing them upright with the tied end facing down.
4. Cover the pot and let the tamales steam for 1 ½ to 2 hours, making sure to check the water level periodically and adding more if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
1. Once the tamales are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Carefully remove the string or twine and unfold the husk.
3. Serve the tamales hot with your choice of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
4. Enjoy your homemade Mexican tamales with family and friends!
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