17 New Mexico Magazine Tamale Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: May 10, 2024
The tamale is a cherished culinary tradition in New Mexico, dating back centuries to the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. This humble yet flavorful dish has stood the test of time, and to this day, it remains a staple in New Mexican households and restaurants alike. While there are countless variations of tamales, each with their own unique flavors and ingredients, one thing remains constant: the love and passion that goes into making them.
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Yellow Onions, Green Bell Peppers, Serrano
If you love Mexican flavors and are looking for a new way to enjoy them, then this Tamale Pie is a must-try. It combines all the deliciousness of a traditional tamale with the convenience of a pie. With a layer of savory ground beef and beans, topped with a layer of sweet corn and creamy cornbread, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Don't be intimidated by the long list of ingredients, most of them are pantry staples and this dish comes together quickly and easily.
Looking for a side dish that can stand alone as a meal? Look no further than this Mexican Cornbread. Packed with flavors like green chiles, corn, and cheese, this cornbread is moist, flavorful, and oh-so-addictive. It's the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican dish, or enjoy it on its own with a dollop of sour cream and salsa on top.
For an extra kick of spice, add some diced jalapenos to the batter.
No Mexican feast is complete without a side of Mexican rice. This flavorful dish is made with long-grain rice, tomato sauce, and a variety of spices, creating a vibrant and tasty addition to any meal. It's the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for all taste buds.
For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon.
Take your taste buds on a trip to the streets of Mexico with these mouthwatering Mexican Street Tacos. Made with tender, marinated steak, grilled onions and peppers, and a variety of toppings, these tacos are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve with a side of homemade salsa and guacamole for the ultimate taco experience.
For a healthier option, use chicken or shrimp instead of steak.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
Craving a comforting and flavorful casserole, but trying to watch your waistline? This Skinny Mexican Casserole is the answer. Made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a variety of spices, this dish is packed with protein and flavor. Top it off with some shredded cheese and bake until bubbly for a guilt-free indulgence.
For a vegetarian option, swap the ground turkey for tofu or extra beans.
Looking for a side dish that is both refreshing and full of flavor? This Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect choice. Made with grilled corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, and a tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing and delicious addition to any meal. Serve it with some tortilla chips for a fun twist on chips and salsa.
Add some diced avocado for a creamy and flavorful addition to this salad.
No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and this Mexican Flan is the perfect finale to any Mexican feast. This classic dessert is made with a rich and creamy custard, topped with a layer of caramel. It's decadent, delicious, and sure to impress your guests.
For a twist on the traditional recipe, add a tablespoon of rum to the custard mixture for a boozy kick.
Looking for an authentic and traditional Mexican rice recipe? Look no further than this recipe. Made with long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, this rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine. It's the perfect side dish to any meal and is a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to your plate.
For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken bouillon.
Add some protein and fiber to your Mexican meal with these flavorful and hearty Mexican Pinto Beans. Made with pinto beans, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, these beans are a great side dish or can be used as a filling for tacos or burritos. They're easy to make and pack a punch of flavor.
For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Known as elote in Mexico, Mexican Street Corn is a popular street food that is a must-try for any corn lover. Grilled corn is topped with a creamy and tangy mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. It's the perfect side dish for any Mexican dish or can stand alone as a tasty snack.
For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
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Corn Bread Tamale Pie
Main Ingredients: Chili, Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Taco
Combine two classic dishes into one with this Corn Bread Tamale Pie. The bottom layer is a hearty and flavorful chili, topped with a layer of sweet cornbread. This dish has all the flavors of a traditional tamale, but with the convenience of a casserole. Serve it with some sour cream and chopped green onions for a delicious and filling meal.
For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or tofu.
Put a Mexican twist on a classic Italian dish with this Mexican Lasagna. Layered with tortillas, ground beef, black beans, and cheese, this dish is a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional lasagna. It's perfect for feeding a crowd and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Add some diced green chiles for an extra kick of flavor.
Take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico with this mouthwatering Mexican Beef Barbacoa. Made with tender and juicy beef, slow-cooked to perfection in a variety of spices and seasonings, this dish is packed with flavor. Serve it with some warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delicious and authentic Mexican meal.
For a shortcut, use a slow cooker or pressure cooker to prepare the beef.
Quesadillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this Mexican Beef Quesadilla takes them to the next level. Filled with tender and flavorful beef, gooey cheese, and a variety of toppings, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Serve it with some salsa and sour cream for dipping.
For a vegetarian option, omit the beef and add extra veggies or tofu.
Get the taste of your favorite Mexican restaurant at home with this Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice. With a few simple ingredients, you can achieve the same flavorful and fluffy rice that is served alongside your favorite Mexican dishes. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Add some diced tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color.
This Easy Mexican Casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Made with layers of tortilla chips, ground beef, beans, and cheese, this dish is a fun and delicious twist on a classic casserole. Customize it with your favorite toppings and serve with some salsa and guacamole for dipping.
For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add extra beans or tofu.
Looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes? These Mexican Black Bean & Cheese Stuffed Peppers are the answer. Packed with protein and fiber, these peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of black beans, corn, and cheese, making them a satisfying and nutritious meal.
For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
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Mexican Black Bean & Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Cilantro
Combine two classic dishes into one with this Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole. Made with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a variety of Mexican spices, this dish is a one-pan wonder that is perfect for busy weeknights. It's a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Add some diced bell peppers for a pop of color and added flavor.
Looking for a vegetarian and gluten-free option that still packs a punch of flavor? This Easy Mexican Corn and Rice Casserole is the perfect choice. Made with fluffy rice, sweet corn, and a variety of spices, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
Add some diced chiles for an extra kick of heat.
The Perfect Masa: The Key to a Delicious Tamale
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
Masa is the foundation of any good tamale. It is a simple mixture of cornmeal, water, and fat, but it is crucial to use high-quality ingredients for the best results. In New Mexico, many tamale-makers swear by using blue corn masa, which gives the tamales a distinct, slightly sweet flavor. Other popular variations include using a combination of masa harina and lard, which results in a lighter, fluffier texture.
The Art of Mixing Masa
Mixing the masa is an art form in itself. It is essential to achieve the perfect consistency, which should be slightly sticky but not too wet. Some tamale-makers add broth to the masa for added flavor, while others swear by using a splash of tequila or beer. Whichever method you choose, the key is to mix the masa until it is smooth and airy, ensuring a light and fluffy tamale.
The Filling: Endless Possibilities
Traditional Fillings with a New Mexican Twist
While pork and chicken are classic tamale fillings, New Mexicans have put their own spin on these traditional flavors. Some popular variations include green chile and pork, red chile and chicken, and beef and potato. Of course, vegetarians can also enjoy tamales by replacing the meat with beans, corn, or cheese.
Get Creative with Your Fillings
Don't be afraid to get creative with your tamale fillings. In New Mexico, you can find tamales stuffed with anything from shrimp and crab to honey and pineapple. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and experiment with different flavors.
Assembly and Cooking
The Art of Assembly
Assembling tamales is a labor of love. First, you spread the masa onto a corn husk, leaving room at the top and bottom for folding. Then, you add your filling and fold the sides of the husk over the filling, creating a neat little package. Finally, you tie the tamale with a strip of corn husk or string.
Steaming for Perfection
The final step is to steam the tamales for about an hour until the masa is cooked and fluffy. Many New Mexicans use a tamale steamer, which is a large pot with a steaming insert. However, you can also use a large pot with a steamer basket or even a slow cooker.
In conclusion, tamales are more than just a delicious dish in New Mexico; they are a symbol of tradition and culture. With the right ingredients, mixing techniques, and fillings, you can create your own unique and mouth-watering tamales. So gather your family and friends, and enjoy this beloved New Mexican delicacy together.